Some hardened cyclists advocate the need to have a specific ‘winter’ bike. For many, this is just an excuse to buy a new bike, if you love cycling then why not, but if you are a casual cyclist or a bike commuter, do you need to buy a new bike for winter or is the carbon road bike you already own suitable for the winter?
You can ride a carbon bike in the winter without any problems. Carbon bikes are less susceptible to corrosion and so could be considered a better option in winter than steel-framed bikes. Aside from a few modifications, such as adding mudguard fenders, a carbon bike is completely suitable.
Riding a carbon bike in winter doesn’t have any detrimental effects on the carbon frame material. Down to very low temperatures, there will be no noticeable impact on the material at all. Studies show that material tensile strength actually increases at very low temperatures, making a stronger material, but this effect is only prevalent in temperature far below any reasonable winter temperature where you would be riding a carbon bike.
As well as riding throughout the winter, you can also store your carbon bike outside in winter. The carbon fibre frame element will not be detrimentally damaged or impacted by the cold, the other steel components on your bike are the issue here, with corrosion being the biggest issue.
So why would you consider an alternative bike in the winter, and not just ride your ‘year-round’ bike? The short answer is that you don’t have to. You can use your current bike. However, there are a few considerations that will help you make your ride more comfortable. This article gives some. advice before you take your carbon bike on your commute in the winter.
Bike Commuting and Riding in Winter
Carbon bikes can be considered a better option in winter when compared to steel frames. There is no detrimental effect on the carbon frame when it gets down to temperatures reached in the coldest of winter climates. Before you see any detrimental impact of the cold temperatures you would need to subject the bike frame to cryogenic temperatures, and even then the carbon fibre composites show signs of increased strength.
Depending on the resins used, these may start to break down at cryogenic temperatures but all frame manufacturers use resins that are suitable for all winter temperatures, irrespective of you location and how bad your winters get.
So, cold weather is not the problem, but what about other winter weather conditions. Wet weather, whilst uncomfortable for the rider sometimes, again will have no detrimental impact on a carbon bike. Immersion testing reports have shown that some carbon fibre materials can swell up to 5% of their volume when completely immersed over a long time period but this is simply not prototypic of the way your bike will get wet in the winter, even if left uncovered outside. Your bike simply will not immerse in water for prolonged periods.
In terms of the wet and the cold, it is the other steel components you will need to be worried about such as the break disks, gear train and cassettes. These, mostly steel components will degrade in wet weather and it is important to look after these elements during the winter rather than the carbon frame. Investing in a wet-weather lube and taking care of the drivetrain is essential to ride safely in such weather conditions.
Some cyclist will dry their bike when they get in from a wet commute or ride. This is simply a manual wipe down on the frame, seat and other bike components to get any excess moisture off the bike. In terms of the carbon bike, this is completely unnecessary. A drip dry method by simply storing the bike in a dry place is acceptable and as long as your maintain your degradable components, a wet carbon bike is not an issue in the slightest.
For more tips on riding in the winter, check out our more detailed article here.
Carbon Bikes and Winter Road Conditions
The biggest issue with your carbon bike when riding in winter is the poor road conditions you will encounter. In winter, the roads are likely to be much more slippy and very smooth road surfaces can be treacherous. Wet and icy conditions make for dangerous riding conditions especially on this, slick road bike tyres.
Not only that, road salt, applied during icy conditions to help drivers get more grip, can be your friend and your enemy. Salt will increase your road grip, reducing the dangers slightly, it can also be more damaging to your vulnerable steel bike components mentioned earlier in this article, such are the gear train and cassette.
In the winter, it is likely that the wet conditions will generate more mud and dirt that will stick and accumulate on your bike. This is not an issue for the carbon bike frame but, again, can cause issues to other components, especially the efficacy of brake systems. Disk brakes are more resilient to mud build ups, which is why they are preferred on mountain bikes, but road bikes still tend to opt for calliper brakes (brake pads that apply friction to the wheel) which can become less effective if wet and muddy.
Make sure when riding you constantly test your brakes so that you know they will work when you need them and remove any mud or dirt build-up at the end of the ride.
You will not need to clean your carbon bike frame after every muddy or wet ride, that is, unless you want to. A lot of cyclists pride themselves on an immaculate bike, and if this is you, then fill your boots!!
Why Some Cyclists Use a ‘Winter’ Bike
We have established that a carbon bike is fine in the winter and can be used without any real concern. So why do some opt for a winter and a separate ‘fine weather’ bike? There is no reason to, right?
Whilst there is nothing technically wrong with riding a carbon bike in the winter, there may be some cyclists out there who just have a protective, phycological love for their expensive carbon road bike. They just don’t want it to get wet, the same way a classic car enthusiast may leave their beloved vehicle in the garage over the winter. They are protecting their baby and this is absolutely fine. A keen cyclist, with an expensive performance bike, may simply not feel comfortable taking it out in the winter. No problem.
Another reason for a specific winter bike is the risk or accidents. With a much more slippery road surface, poor visibility and dark commutes, there is a slight increase in the risk of cycling. An accident could mean you damage your expensive bike and you would rather not.
If you have a specific ‘winter’ bike, you can optimise it for the winter. You can fit tyres with more surface area and grip, you can permanently fit top quality light systems, you can permanently fit fenders and mudguards to stop any mud or road water splashing you as you ride.
If you have a specific winter bike, it will save you the trouble of converting your ‘summer’ bike each year, and then back again, when the weather turns. You can just swap your best bike into storage and roll out the winter bike.
Whilst this may be convenient, it is not essential. This is down to a personal choice and whilst a winter bike may seem like a good idea, you can make your current carbon bike work all year round.
Summary
Your favourite carbon bike will perform great in the winter, will not be damaged or degraded as a result of the cold or the wet weather, and can become your reliable all year round bike.
Read our complete guide for bike commuting throughout the winter, including essential accessories, clothing and safety tips by following this link.
