Rain and Bike Life

[mgarl10024]

Hi all,

I've recently bought a lovely hybrid bike for commuting and am really enjoying it (tomorrow is a special day as it will become the 'most common form of transport for 2010' to work for me, and I only started in March.

My concerns are about losing the title when the weather turns nasty. I'm happy to get the proper clothing and lights etc. but I am worried that taking my lovely shiny bike out in the rain and on salty roads in the winter will damage it in some way - perhaps even shortening it's life?
Are my concerns justified, or with diligent maintenance do bikes ridden in these conditions live long and happy lives like their 'not ridden in the rain' cousins?

Thanks,

MG

 

[2Loose]

Last winter my bike picked up so much wet dirt and grit that I was cleaning and oiling it every two days, especially through the snow.

A pair of full length mudguards kept 95% of the dirt away from the majority of the bike (and my back!) and I would therefore consider 'guards an essential purchase for year round riding. Especially as it took my winter care sessions back to fortnightly ones.

 

[amasidlover]

There's no doubt adverse whether does have an effect, brake blocks wear quicker, likewise chains unless relubed daily, bolt heads might rust a little etc. frame shouldn't be affected though unless damaged and down to metal.

But from my point of view the cost of keeping my bike maintained in winter is far cheaper than the cost of fuel or public transport. Plus I enjoy using the bike far more than public transport or driving.

So, i'd say yes it will shorten the life of the bike, but by very little and quite frankly what's the point in having a bike; is it transport or decoration ... Actually

 

[mark barker]

I guess it depends on how you view your bike... For me they're just a tool, and they'll get wet when it rains! No different to using a motorbike or car.

 

[tedydim]

The bike parts will wear out faster in winter weather conditions. However I also view the bike just as a tool... I know that right now as your bike is shinny and new you don't want to scratch or dirty it... I can promise you that in a few months that feeling won't be as strong. Use your bike. Clean & lube it often in the winter. As components wear out - replace them. I just had to replace the chain -- it was less than $20.

 

[fossyant]

The answer is yes and not necessarily............

Look after it and it will be fine, but parts do wear - that's life. Don't look after it then all sorts can go wrong.

Make sure chain is oiled and kept clean, clear any gunge off chainrings and sprockets (oily rag is all you need) and wash the bike over regular.

My work bike is a tool, it's ridden hard, but it's washed when it get's dirty (my dirty is after a wet ride - so could be each evening on a wet week) and then wipe over chain, and oil regularly.

In a year of commuting in all weathers, my fixed road bike has had...........

2 x chains
1 x rear sprocket
1 x rear wheel (worn and pot hole bent)
2 x brake pad sets
1 x set cartridge bearings in rear hub
1 x new tyre
1 x new bar tape (worn out)

All in that's about £250

 

[kewb]

during winter months (and this summer grrrr) im oiling after each trip ,

part of one of my rides on mtb takes in beach , SALT !, i just wouldnt have a chain or gears if i didnt wash down with fresh water and re lube ,

if gritters have been out same applies salt is corrosive and acts like a grinder 

i dont use detergent or anything just water straight out the hose dry and lube .

 

[xpc316e]

Why not spray your bike with this stuff?

http://www.scottoiler.com/uk/Lubes-...sion-Protector-1-Litre-spray/flypage.tpl.html

I find Scott's products are very good, although I have not used this particular one.

 

[snorri]

I'm happy to get the proper clothing and lights etc. but I am worried that taking my lovely shiny bike out in the rain and on salty roads in the winter will damage it in some way - perhaps even shortening it's life?

Sadly going out in the rain may well shorten its life, but there's a trade-off.
By using the bike every working day you will help maintain your body in good condition and hopefully lengthen your own life.

 

[Arch]

My work bike is a tool, it's ridden hard, but it's washed when it get's dirty

Selective quoting makes that sound soooooooooooo rude...

My take is: it's a bike, ride it. It gets wet, wipe it a bit.

Of course, if you don't want your pride and joy to get mucky, get a winter hack. (or get a posher bike for the summer and use your hybrid as a hack.).

My 'summer hack' for daily use is a Giant FCR, derailleur, V brakes, skinny tyres, clip on battery lights. My winter hack is a no-name frame built up with hub gears and brakes, , Big Apple tyres and a dynamo for lights. Both have mudguards. I swap the bikes every 6 months (daily use lives in the lobby, the other upstairs in the flat). And that's generally when they get a wash....

 

[kewb]

Why not spray your bike with this stuff?

http://www.scottoile...lypage.tpl.html

I find Scott's products are very good, although I have not used this particular one.

looks good ,

would it interfere with oil or grease ?

 

[navrat_biker]

the lovely british weather is rubbish aint it! No one wants to get their bike wet first time, i was the same dont mind the clothes, hair, but bike!! not good. I have to say though my bike did see wet weather but this was after 3 months of owning it. lol

 

[mgarl10024]

Hi all,

Just a quick note to say thanks for all your replies. Since writing that question, my bike has unintentionally got wet a few times (me being caught in the rain on the way home). Each time, I've wiped it over and made sure that the chain was dried and relubed.

I guess it's all about perspective. I need to remember that the bike is a tool, and that the car guzzles up nearly double the cost of the bike each year in maintenance and insurance alone. It'll take time to adjust, but I guess I'm just not used to having a bike as nice. I expect I'll still be a bit fussy with cleaning for the next few months

Thanks once again,

MG

P.S. I did suggest to my GF that my new bike could become my "beater/hack bike", and that I could get an even nicer bike for the summer. The response: "Not happening".

 

[Benthedoon]

My wife isn't happy about me getting a winter bike either but my Orbea is my pride and joy and although it has been ridden in the rain I don't want to make a habbit of it, my full sus. MTB is no good as a commuter (she doesn't buy it but she's given up arguing) so that only leaves one option and I'll be ordering that option in a couple of weeks.

 

[HJ]

A bicycle is transport, I don't stay at home just because it is raining...