So, its dark out, its icy and slushy, and I’m wondering…“What to do, what to do”. The gear nut in me says there HAS to be something I can buy to help me through the winter here in beautiful Lansing, MI.
My question is, does it make more sense to buy rollers and workout indoors, thus being warm and safe but not really be riding? Or, do I buy a singlespeed CX bike (Bianchi San Jose) and be cold and in (relative) danger, but at least really be riding and be outside getting fresh air?
The rollers (Kreitler, with Kool Wind) would be not much cheaper the the CX; if I add Nokians to the CX, maybe a $200 total difference between having a winter / rain bike and having rollers. With the rollers I wouldn’t need another bike, and I wouldn’t have to worry about black ice, inattentive drivers, etc.
IMO, I would get the trainer. With this type of winter weather, it just ain’t worth the risk being out on the road. All it takes is one patch of black ice and your upcoming season could be seriously compromised.
Besides, who sez rollers aren’t really riding? Come spring time your pedaling will be more efficient and your balance and handling will be improved.
rollers are not a negociable item, if you live in lansing michigan. they are a needed item, like a pair of boots. so get some.
go xc skiing. skate or stride. you need to get on that.
a san jose is a cool idea. not sure how much you are actually gonna ride the thing, once you get those rollers and the skiis, but there is always next fall’s 'cross season to look forward to.
a trainer and tv set will handle the indoor training (i use my trainer year round for certain workouts). when you want to go outside, go for cc skis, snowshoes, or a snowboard…there’s really more to life that swim/bike/run.
well, you know just what to say to get my attention…bianchi and rollers. a man after my own heart.
with that said, i’ve been to MI, and see how the people drive. if i lived there i would probably never ride, it seems so dangerous!
so, come and move to cincinnati, or further south, where people drive a little slower.
if that is not an option, but rollers and the bianchi. it is impossible to decide between the two. (besides, rollers and bike are more affordable than moving. see how easy that was? lol)
I picked up a San Jose at my LBS last night and rode it into work this morning (14 mi.)…what a ride! Nothing fancy, but IMO a lot of bang for the buck. Most of my commute was on snow-covered ice and it rode great.
Sweet! So, traction was pretty good without studded tires even? I’m used to riding on 25s slicks, and they feel fairly unsure. What is the width and tread like?
CX Bike - easy choice. I’m over here in Ontario and ride a Kona Jake during the winter. Don’t have the stubby tires on and don’t think it makes much of a difference (but am riding 35mm, not 25 - that makes a difference). Was out last Sunday for a couple hours on the trails in an inch of fresh snow and there were a few slippery spots but you’ll develop much improved handling, balance and core strength in those areas.
Only real danger to winter riding is frost-bitten toes. I bought a pair of winter cycling shoes (Lake) a couple years ago and it was the best investment I’ve ever made - the shoes plus a pair of ski socks is all that is needed. With these, I’ve been able to be outdoors all year round, and it only really hurt on the day it was -20 (celsius) but that was because my head froze.
Traction was decent…obviously would have been better fitted with Nokians, but haven’t had the time to put them on yet. The factory tires are ATB All-Terrainosaurus 700x32c, nice tread. My only gripe with the bike is the fact that the rear hub isn’t flip-flop…riding it fixed would be so much better…
(besides, rollers and bike are more affordable than moving. see how easy that was? lol)