Rainy riding

[shawnc]

Hey Tripleshotters,

As a year-round commuter I’m no stranger to riding in monsoon-like conditions, but I’ve turned into a huge wiener after buying my Cervelo and I don’t want to thrash the drivetrain by riding in wet conditions. This is obviously going to be a big problem on rainy days and over the winter when I want to keep up my training, so I was hoping to get your advice.

I bought clip-on fenders from MEC and the materials to make long mudguards, but I don’t think they would keep the road grime away from my drivetrain nearly as well as full fenders with mudflaps would. Unfortunately, full fenders won't fit on my Cervelo.

I’m thinking about either buying an inexpensive winter bike to which I could attach full fenders and mudguards, or putting compatible pedals on my Giant FCR3 commuter bike for rainy days.

So I have a few questions:
• Do you know if it’s possible to get an older road bike that would fit full fenders?
• Does anyone have such a bike they’d be willing to sell to me?
• Would I get shelled on winter group rides if I rode a performance-hybrid bike like the FCR3?
• Should I just man up and take my Cervelo out in the rain with clip-on fenders and mudguards?
• Any other words of wisdom?

Thanks everyone

Shawn

[Roland]

1) Get a used cyclocross bike and put road tires on it. The frames tend to have more clearance and have eyelets for fenders. Older road bikes also tend to have more clearance as well. You'll just need to troll usedvictoria.com until you find a deal.

2) Somebody might, but not me.

3) You'll be fine. John rode a mountain bike after he crashed his road bike. I rode a old Fiori last winter. The pace really drops in the winter.

4) You can get fenders on anything with enough patience, p-clips & duct tape. It's a pain.

Advice: Subscribe to the Used Victoria RSS feed for road bikes, wait till a bike shows up for $400, but it asap.

[wonger]

Would I get shelled on winter group rides if I rode a performance-hybrid bike like the FCR3?

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!


That's funny. You're a funny guy Shawn.

[Barry McKee]

I felt the same way for quite awhile after I bought my Trek. However, the only parts to be concerned about are the chain rings, chain and cassette. All the bearing, BB are sealed so no problem there. Good lube will prevent wear from road grit and grime. Cleaning after riding will take care of the rest. There are some terrific spray on, hose off cleaners(Finish Line Multi-Degreaser) that make it a snap to maintain the drivetrain. I use clip on fenders and deal with the road grime by cleaning. I think the problems occur only when cleaning and lube are ignored. Would be tough not to ride your "baby", but your choice.....

Barry