{"id":59744,"date":"2024-02-09T14:57:00","date_gmt":"2024-02-09T13:57:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/9971a584-901c-40d4-8b08-3dba7ae327a6"},"modified":"2024-02-09T16:00:13","modified_gmt":"2024-02-09T15:00:13","slug":"best-winter-road-bikes-2024-13-mile-munching-winter-bikes-and-buyers-guide","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/best-winter-road-bikes-2024-13-mile-munching-winter-bikes-and-buyers-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Best winter road bikes 2024 | 13 mile-munching winter bikes and buyer’s guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

Our pick of the bikes, frames, components and accessories you need for successful winter riding <\/p>

By Matthew Loveridge\n <\/p>

Published: Friday, 09 February 2024 at 13:57 PM<\/p>

\n\n

Are you thinking about building or buying a bike for winter road riding?<\/p>

BikeRadar\u2019s experts have immense combined experience of winter riding. In this guide, we\u2019ll discuss some different approaches to choosing a bike for winter road riding, and which components and accessories matter the most.<\/p>

Whether you’re looking to buy a whole new bike, revive an old one or adapt your current machine, this is the guide for you.<\/p>

Although our pick of the road bikes we’ve tested for winter riding aren’t all billed as winter bikes and some do not come with mudguards, all have the mounting points to enable you to add them retrospectively. <\/p>

Our buyer’s guide at the bottom of this article<\/a> highlights what to look out for in a winter bike and the different approaches you might take to set yourself up for winter riding. <\/p>

Best road bikes for winter as rated by our testers<\/h2>
Kinesis Tripster AT<\/h3>

<\/div>
The AT in the Kinesis Tripster AT’s name stands for all-terrain. – Robert Smith \/ Immediate Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a31,850 as tested<\/li>
Great protection from extra-long mudguards<\/li>
Robust but sprightly<\/li><\/ul>
Kinesis adds big mudguards to big gravel tyres<\/a> for a go-anywhere winter build for its versatile alloy bike. There\u2019s clearance for 45mm tyres and bolting points for luggage, extra bottles and a rack. You can alter the steering geometry to change the handling to suit your riding style too.<\/p>
At 11kg and with a frame that weighs 1.9kg, the Tripster AT is built tough, but it doesn\u2019t feel that way to ride, thanks to its stiffness, which gives a responsive ride feel. The quality wheels and tyres provide comfort, along with a lively ride.<\/p>
We rated the Apex 1 drivetrain and the Fend-Off Wide mudguards highlights for a winter bike – the latter amazed us with how clean they kept both us and following riders.<\/p>
Read our full Kinesis Tripster AT review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
Ribble Endurance Ti Disc<\/h3>

<\/div>
$\"Pack$
The Endurance Ti Disc is available in three models: the ‘Pro’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Enthusiast’. – Robert Smith \/ Immediate Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a33,299 \/ $4,568 \/ \u20ac3,843 as tested<\/li>
Quality, corrosion-proof titanium frameset<\/li>
Good component spec for all-weather riding<\/li><\/ul>
Ribble\u2019s titanium mile muncher has discreet mudguard mounts, enabling you to spec guards via Ribble\u2019s Bike Builder. It\u2019s really well finished and the full internal cable routing makes for easier cleaning.<\/p>
We liked the slightly racy ride position and the backsweep of the Level bars, as well as the well-built wheels and wide Continental Grand Prix GT tyres. The Ultegra groupset is an asset too.<\/p>
The Endurance Ti Disc handles poor surfaces well and is built to last, whatever the weather. The flaps on Ribble\u2019s mudguards are a little short to keep your shoes clean though.<\/p>
Read our full Ribble Endurance Ti Disc review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
Triban RC520 Disc<\/h3>

<\/div>
$\"Pack$
Shimano 105 and TRP\u2019s HY\/RD brakes make the Triban unbelievably good value. – David Caudery \/ Immediate Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a3850 \/ $1,400 \/ \u20ac850 as tested<\/li>
High spec for the price with Shimano 105 and TRP disc brakes<\/li>
Tyre clearance up to 36mm without mudguards<\/li><\/ul>
The Triban RC520 Disc, sold by Decathlon, offers a great spec for your cash. It doesn’t come fitted with mudguards, but there are mounting points on the alloy frame, and carbon fork legs and plenty of clearance around the 28mm tyres, which are mounted on tubeless-ready rims.<\/p>
It has an 11-speed Shimano 105 groupset with an 11-32t Microshift cassette, so you’re not losing gear ratios on your winter rides, while the TRP HY\/RD disc brakes combine cable operation with hydraulic actuation of the calipers.<\/p>
We’ve also tested the Triban RC500<\/a> with the same frame but equipped with 9-speed Shimano Sora, which shaves \u00a3200 off the price tag.<\/p>
Read our full Triban RC520 Disc review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div>
Boardman ADV 8.6<\/h3>

$\"Pack$ Great comfort and versatility from Boardman\u2019s big-tyred all-rounder.<\/div><\/div>
\u00a3750 as tested<\/li>
Tough build with good spec and plenty of versatility<\/li>
Rolls well on-road as well as off<\/li><\/ul>
It’s part of Boardman’s gravel-oriented ADV range, but the ADV 8.6 has mudguard and rack mounts, making it a competent road option that can also take you off the beaten track. The 38mm tyres fitted roll well on tarmac and offer plenty of grip, as well as being able to keep going off-road.<\/p>
The ADV 8.6 is tough, comfortable and handles well. We’d just have liked to see more effective disc brakes than the fitted Tektro mechanical calipers.<\/p>
Read our full Boardman ADV 8.6 review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div>
Cannondale Synapse 1 <\/h3>

<\/div>
$\"Pack$
Apart from its lack of mudguards, the Synapse is mostly winter-ready. – Steve Sayers \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a31,900 \/ \u20ac1,995 as tested<\/li>
Comfortable position and comprehensive fixtures and fittings <\/li>
More expensive than its rivals <\/li><\/ul>
The Synapse 1 is Cannondale’s top-lined aluminium model that thrives on the road and beyond. We found it to be suitably quick with bucket loads of comfort. <\/p>
Although Cannondale says there’s room for 32mm tyres, it points out there’s “6mm room on either side”, so you could squeeze in 35mm rubber for a bit of rough-stuff riding without mudguards. <\/p>
There’s most of a Shimano 105 R7020 groupset (with the exception of the non-series crankset and chain) and the stock Vittoria Zaffiro Pro tyres would need to be upgraded if you wanted to run tubeless. <\/p>
Read our full Cannondale Synapse 1 review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div>
Condor Fratello Disc<\/h3>

<\/div>
$\"Pack$
The Condor Fratello Disc is an accomplished all-weather ride where the frameset is the star. – Robert Smith \/ Immediate Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a32,500 as tested<\/li>
Steel frame gives a lively ride feel<\/li>
Quality spec, but the mechanical disc brakes aren\u2019t the match of hydraulic<\/li><\/ul>
Condor has been a fixture of London cycling for over 70 years, so it knows steel frames, with the Fratello made of custom-shaped, triple-butted Columbus Spirit tubing.<\/p>
With flat-mount disc brakes and 12mm thru-axles, it\u2019s up with modern trends, while the carbon fork has internal routing for the brake hose and for a dynamo lighting cable.<\/p>
We loved the flowing feel over rough surfaces and the well-balanced ride position. We drooled over the shifting quality of the Campagnolo Centaur groupset too, although the TRP Spyre cable-operated disc brakes don\u2019t quite match up to hydraulic options.<\/p>
Read our full Condor Fratello Disc review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
Cube Attain SLX <\/h3>

<\/div>
$\"Pack$
The Attain SLX is well-specced for the money. – Steve Sayers \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a31,600 \/ \u20ac1,599 \/ AU$2,499 as tested<\/li>
Fast, lively-feeling frame with room for mudguards <\/li>
Limited to 28mm tyres and the stock tyres aren’t tubeless-ready<\/li><\/ul>
Cube claims the Attain SLX strikes “exactly the right blend of pace and comfort” and we’d say it broadly lives up to its billing. If you’re after a fairly light, fast and comfortable bike for year-round riding, this bike delivers and then some. <\/p>
The full-Shimano 105 R7020 groupset is a real highlight, undercutting the competition at this price point.<\/p>
The only downside of the Attain SLX is that its relatively narrow 28mm tyre clearance means this bike is more at home on tarmac than the rough stuff. <\/p>
Read our full Cube Attain SLX review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div>
Forme Monyash 2<\/h3>

<\/div>
$\"Pack$
The Forme Monyash 2 comes with all the features needed for a winter road bike \u2013 just add mudguards. – Dave Caudery \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a31,000 as tested<\/li>
Modern features including thru-axles and internal cabling<\/li>
Quality ride feel, despite the 10kg weight<\/li><\/ul>
We really enjoyed the ride quality of the Forme Monyash 2 and it has clearance to fit mudguards and still take 32mm tyres. The wheels are good quality and come fitted with 26mm Schwalbe tyres, and there are rack mounts and three sets of bottle bosses, making light touring an option.<\/p>
Spec-wise, the Monyash 2 comes with Shimano Claris 8-speed shifting and Tektro Mira single-piston mechanical disc brakes. They both worked well and there’s enough low gearing to handle steeper climbs in the saddle.<\/p>
Read our full Forme Monyash 2 review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div>
Giant Contend AR3<\/h3>

<\/div>
$\"Pack$
This is the bike for long-distance riding. – Russell Burton \/ Immediate Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a31,099 \/ $1,250 \/ AU$1,599 as tested<\/li>
Comfortable for long rides<\/li>
Plenty of gear range and tubeless-ready wheels<\/li><\/ul>
Mixing a lively geometry with a longer wheelbase for stability, the Contend has room for 38mm tyres, so you can easily fit mudguards with the specced 32mm tyres. We enjoyed its quality handling and hour after hour of comfort, even on broken winter backroads.<\/p>
The groupset is 9-speed Shimano Sora, but there’s plenty of range to handle steep rises, while you can set up tubeless to increase your chances of avoiding punctures on debris-strewn surfaces.<\/p>
Read our full Giant Contend AR3 review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div>
Kinesis R2<\/h3>

<\/div>
$\"Pack$
The Kinesis R2 has a great chocolate paintjob with gold flecks. – Russell Burton \/ Immediate Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a31,680 as tested<\/li>
Quality, versatile frame and fork<\/li>
Full Shimano Tiagra groupset including hydraulic disc brakes<\/li><\/ul>
Designed in the UK, Kinesis bikes are geared to year-round British conditions. The R2 alloy frame comes with mudguard mounts and a full-carbon fork. We reckon it will appeal to those looking for a fast winter trainer, with a geometry that’s sportier than many all-rounders.<\/p>
We tested the 10-speed Tiagra spec, complete with its hydraulic disc brakes and a 1:1 lowest gear. The bike came specced with 32mm Continental Grand Sport Race tyres<\/p>
Read our full Kinesis R2 review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div>
Planet X London Road<\/h3>

<\/div>
$\"A$
The single-ring groupset dials down mechanical complexity for winter rides. – David Caudery \/ Immediate Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a3800 as tested<\/li>
Single-ring groupset lowers complexity, but also top gear range<\/li>
Robust spec to handle poor conditions<\/li><\/ul>
The Planet X London Road comes fitted with a single-chainring SRAM Apex groupset, removing the front derailleur and alleviating one source of potential winter mechanical problems. There’s gearing down to 1:1, although if you like to push a big gear you’ll miss the top end offered by a double chainset.<\/p>
The London Road comes kitted out with 32mm Panaracer tyres and has the necessary mudguard mounts to keep you more comfortable in wet conditions. The tyres’ reflective sidewalls offer increased presence in low light and their durability should help keep you rolling.<\/p>
Read our full Planet X London Road review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div>
Specialized Allez Sport <\/h3>

<\/div>
$\"Specialized$
The Allez is a winter staple. – Robyn Furtado \/ BikeRadar<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a31,600 \/ $1,800 \/ \u20ac1,750 \/ AU$2,500 as tested<\/li>
An inspired geometry and easy-to-love handling <\/li>
35mm tyre clearance, mudguard and rack mounts <\/li><\/ul>
Specialized’s latest rendition of the Allez will suit cyclists looking for a slightly more relaxed ride with its composed handling and respectable weight for the money. The Allez Sport impressed us in pretty much every situation, with plenty of stiffness without being harsh. The bike feels stable at speed, while remaining reactive when asked to flick through a corner. <\/p>
The only downsides to the build are the uninspiring wheels and lifeless tyres, but they can be upgraded down the line. <\/p>
Read our full Specialized Allez Sport review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div>
Shand Leveret<\/h3>

<\/div>
$\"Pack$
The Shand Leveret is built to take in your surroundings, rather than speed through them. – Russell Burton \/ Immediate Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a31,995 as tested<\/li>
Quality steel frame and carbon fork<\/li>
Gates belt drive and 8-speed hub gear<\/li><\/ul>
The Shand Leveret comes with an 8-speed Shimano Alfine internal hub gear and Gates belt drive, thus removing the main source of winter mechanical problems, but still offering plenty of gear range.<\/p>
We loved the quality of the Leveret’s steel frame, its responsive ride feel and the comfort offered by its 35mm tyres. It comes ready-fitted with alloy SKS mudguards too, making it a great poor-weather mile muncher.<\/p>
Read our full Shand Leveret review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div>
Buyer’s guide to winter road bikes <\/h2>
There are a number of approaches to getting a bike that’s equipped for winter conditions. Which works for you will depend on your resources and how keen you are to continue your riding into poorer conditions. <\/p>
The premium option: a dedicated, purpose-built bike<\/h3>
$\"Trek$
There’s something pleasing about a bike properly specced for the task at hand. – David Caudery \/ Immediate Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The ideal image of a winter road bike is one built from the ground up with poor-weather riding in mind.<\/p>
For many years, the archetypal winter bike was a cheap aluminium-framed road bike<\/a> with a low- to mid-range groupset, skinny tyres, rim brakes and full-length mudguards \u2013 something such as the Ribble 7005 Winter<\/a> or the Dolan Preffisio<\/a>.<\/p>
$\"Dolan$
Once upon a time, the Dolan Preffisio and UK winter went together like bacon and eggs. – Jesse Wild \/ Immediate Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
These were sturdy, unpretentious machines that made up for their lack of glamour by being incredibly cheap and very functional.<\/p>
This breed of machine has all but disappeared in an age of disc brakes and big tyre clearances, but the principle remains valid.<\/p>
The sensible approach: a gravel bike<\/h3>
$\"Pinnacle$
Gravel bikes can also make compelling winter bikes. – Russell Burton \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
It\u2019s well worth considering a\u00a0 gravel bike<\/a>\u00a0for winter because these often have useful mounts for mudguards and accessories, and can adapt to both road riding and rougher stuff with minor spec adjustments.<\/p>
The line between gravel bikes and fatter-tyred endurance bikes<\/a> is very blurry in any case, with the differences sometimes more about spec than the underlying frame.<\/p>
There’s also considerable overlap with more traditional touring bikes<\/a> and it’s worth considering one of these, particularly if you’re interested in carrying lots of stuff. <\/p>
The budget approach: an old hack<\/h3>
$\"Univega$
Reviving an older bike can be deeply satisfying. – Mildred Locke \/ Immediate Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
If you don\u2019t want to subject your \u2018best\u2019 bike to the indignities of winter riding, you can of course use any old clunker you have lying around, or cobble something together from parts.<\/p>
The downside to this approach is there will inevitably be compromises \u2013 old road frames typically have limited tyre clearance, for instance, and many won\u2019t accept full-length mudguards.<\/p>
You\u2019ll also likely be stuck with rim brakes, which can be perfectly adequate but, as we\u2019ll discuss later, aren\u2019t ideal for the purpose. On the other hand, there\u2019s great satisfaction to be found in repurposing old things or assembling a unique parts-bin special<\/a>.<\/p>
If you have a top-end bike, you may choose to invest in a more affordable road bike<\/a> for winter riding.<\/p>
The non-conformist: a fixed gear<\/h3>
$\"Surly$
Fixies are enormous fun and have some practical advantages, along with their quirks. – Jack Luke \/ Immediate Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Legend holds it that, in days of yore, road cyclists would flip their rear wheels around and fit a fixed gear sprocket for the winter, citing various probably mythical advantages.<\/p>
Despite our scepticism, we\u2019re big fans of fixies here at BikeRadar<\/a> and there are valid reasons for choosing to ride one. They\u2019re ultra low-maintenance compared to geared bikes and consumable drivetrain parts (chains, cogs, chainrings) are comparatively affordable.<\/p>
They\u2019re also loads of fun<\/a>, but most of us wouldn\u2019t choose to ride one full-time because having just one gear does have drawbacks, and of course it deprives you of the pleasure of freewheeling.<\/p>
If the simplicity of a fixed-gear bike appeals but you don\u2019t want to pedal ceaselessly, a singlespeed with a freewheel is also an option, one that offers similar advantages from a maintenance perspective.<\/p>
But I can\u2019t afford\/don\u2019t have space for another bike<\/h3>
Plenty of us ride our one and only road bike through the winter, and that\u2019s a valid approach too, particularly if you can easily fit mudguards (more on these below).<\/p>
If you\u2019re fond of your bike, the challenge will be protecting it from the onslaught of muck and salt that winter brings. That means staying on top of cleaning and lubrication<\/a>.<\/p>
It\u2019s also worth considering if there are specific components you might want to change\u2026<\/p>
Key components and accessories for winter bikes<\/h2>
Mudguards \/ fenders<\/h3>
$\"Portland$
Proper mudguards (or fenders) with good coverage and mud flaps make winter riding infinitely more pleasant. – Dave Caudery \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
In many parts of the world, the roads don\u2019t really dry out for long stretches in the winter, and that means there\u2019s a continuous spray of moisture coming off your tyres even when it\u2019s not raining.<\/p>
As a result, mudguards (or fenders for North Americans) are an essential for winter riding. Full-length mudguards with mud-flaps front and rear are the ideal because these will reduce spray to a minimum, both for you and anyone riding behind you, and also help protect your bike\u2019s components.<\/p>
For a frame to accept standard full-length mudguards, it needs to have mounting bosses or eyelets to bolt on to, and sufficient clearances that the ‘guards won\u2019t catch on the tyres, get in the way of the brakes (on rim brake bikes), or cause toe-overlap issues.<\/p>
Most rear mudguards require one boss at each dropout (or on the seatstays), one at the front of the chainstays, and a seatstay bridge of some sort to anchor the top of the ‘guard (this will also be a brake mount on rim brake bikes).<\/p>
Front mudguards need a mount at each fork dropout (or part-way up each fork leg), and either a brake bolt or a dedicated mount at the fork crown to attach to.<\/p>
If your bike has clearances but no mounts, it’s possible to get creative with P-clips or aftermarket accessories such as Axiom’s Axle Runners<\/a>.<\/p>
If your bike won\u2019t accept full-length mudguards full-stop, there are various alternatives, with long clip-ons being the next best thing. Head to our mudguards buyer’s guide<\/a> for more.<\/p>
Drivetrain<\/h3>
$\"Shimano$
Entry-level or mid-range groupsets offer almost all the performance of the high-end stuff, but consumables are much cheaper. – Jack Luke \/ Immediate Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Winter is hard on components, and so there\u2019s a good case to be made for running cheaper kit that you won\u2019t mind wearing out relatively quickly.<\/p>
That might mean opting for a more affordable groupset<\/a> such as Shimano Sora, Tiagra or 105, SRAM Apex or Rival, or Campagnolo Centaur (while it’s still available). <\/p>
Even if you choose higher-end components, consider whether you need the wear items to be groupset-matching. For example, if you have Shimano Ultegra R8000, there\u2019s nothing to stop you fitting a cheaper 105 R7000 cassette and chain \u2013 both are 11-speed.<\/p>
You might also choose to go with third-party parts to save money, such as a chain from KMC.<\/p>
Brakes<\/h3>
$\"Shimano$
Disc brakes aren’t essential by any means, but they are certainly an advantage for winter riding. – Russell Burton \/ Immediate Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
There\u2019s no question that disc brakes are the better overall choice for winter riding, although that does come with some caveats.<\/p>
Disc brakes typically go hand-in-hand with larger tyre clearances, they offer consistent performance whatever the weather, and they\u2019re easy to operate safely even if your hands get cold.<\/p>
Disc brakes also have the advantage that they don\u2019t chew through rims \u2013 traditional rim brakes wear rims out rapidly when you throw abrasive filth into the mix.<\/p>
If there\u2019s a downside to discs (aside from extra weight and up-front cost), it\u2019s that they can be noisy and irritating at times, and also liable to suffer pad contamination.<\/p>
In wet, gritty conditions you may experience continuous low-level noise as muck finds its way between the rotors and pads, and some brakes are also prone to howling when wet.<\/p>
$\"Rim$
The best rim brakes are fantastic, but you do have to accept accelerated rim wear if you use them in gritty conditions. – Matthew Loveridge \/ Immediate Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Most annoyingly, disc brake pads<\/a> can become contaminated by oily substances from the road surface, rendering them far less effective (if not useless).<\/p>
If this happens, the best cure is to clean your rotors thoroughly with brake cleaner and fit new pads, although some riders advocate baking the pads in the oven (or on the hob) to burn off contaminants. This isn\u2019t a practice any manufacturer would endorse and BikeRadar staffers have experienced mixed results, so proceed with caution.<\/p>
Nevertheless, if you\u2019re starting from scratch, discs are unquestionably the preferred option for winter riding, and hydraulic discs in particular are ideal because, unlike their mechanical counterparts, they don\u2019t need frequent adjustment to account for pad wear.<\/p>
Wheels<\/h3>
$\"Front$
Ultra-light components are best kept for fair-weather usage unless you have deep pockets. – AX-Lightness<\/figcaption><\/figure>
You can ride any wheelset in the winter, but some will take the abuse better than others.<\/p>
With rim brakes, accelerated rim wear is an issue in the winter and so you may not want to be riding your expensive Sunday best wheels.<\/p>
The effectiveness of rim brakes also suffers dramatically in wet conditions. It\u2019s not too bad on aluminium rims, but even the best carbon braking surfaces are typically less effective than discs in rainy conditions.<\/p>
There are other reasons not to use more performance-oriented wheels.<\/p>
Racy wheelsets often save weight by using hubs with small, minimally sealed bearings. These will wear out quickly if water and grit find their way inside, and then you\u2019ll need to buy new bearings and potentially pay someone to fit them.<\/p>
$\"Rim$
Aluminium (or ‘alloy’) nipples are nice and light, but tend to suffer from corrosion when there’s salt on the roads. – Simon Bromley \/ Immediate Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Lightweight wheels also frequently feature aluminium spoke nipples, which are more susceptible to corrosion. Given the option, brass nipples are the better choice for winter.<\/p>
If you\u2019ve got disc brakes, rim wear isn\u2019t a particular issue, but much of the above still applies.<\/p>
If you\u2019re shopping for winter wheels, now might be the time to consider if you want to try road tubeless, which brings us on to…<\/p>
Tyres<\/h3>
$\"Schwalbe$
It’s worth fitting tougher tyres to reduce the risk of punctures in winter. – Simon Bromley \/ Immediate Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
With more debris on the roads, punctures are more of a problem in the winter, and also more of a pain \u2013 no one wants to be wrestling with tyres when they\u2019ve got stiff, cold hands or it\u2019s raining.<\/p>
That means it\u2019s a good idea to choose more puncture-resistant tyres for winter riding \u2013 head to our winter tyres guide<\/a> for some options.<\/p>
If you\u2019re shopping for new rubber, this might be the moment to consider trying something new. Would you, for example, enjoy the comfort benefit of fitting slightly larger tyres? (Check you have the necessary clearances before committing).<\/p>
If your wheels are suitable, it\u2019s well worth considering road tubeless<\/a> for winter riding because the risk of punctures is reduced by the sealant, and you can run lower pressures for added grip on greasy roads.<\/p>
Lights<\/h3>
$\"Bontrager$
Good lights are essential in the winter. – Russell Burton \/ Immediate Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Lights are an absolute essential in the winter, even if you\u2019re technically riding in daylight, when the sun will be low in the sky and overall light levels will be reduced.<\/p>
When searching for the best bike lights<\/a>, your choices will depend on budget and specifics, such as whether you need lights solely to be seen, or also to see with (if you\u2019re riding on unlit roads in the dark<\/a>).<\/p>
$\"Hunt$
A dynamo hub is a viable alternative to battery-powered lights. – Hunt Bike Wheels<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The Rolls-Royce option for a dedicated winter bike is permanently fixed lights powered by a dynamo<\/a>. These give you the advantage of never being without a light as a result of flat batteries.<\/p>
The downside is cost and, in the case of a dyno hub, the need for a specially built wheel.<\/p>
In any case, it\u2019s always best to have some redundancy in your lights \u2013 we\u2019d advise running at least two fronts and two rears so you have a backup for each in case one dies unexpectedly.<\/p>
Spares and other accessories<\/h3>
$\"Vittoria$
It’s worth thinking hard about what spares to carry, and how you’re going to carry them. – Simon Bromley\/Immediate Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
In cold weather, getting stranded by a mechanical failure comes with more serious consequences and so we\u2019d recommend taking a more belt-and-braces approach to spares.<\/p>
You want to be in a position where punctures won\u2019t leave you high and dry, so it\u2019s worth carrying a couple of inner tubes<\/a> and\/or a tyre repair kit if you\u2019re running tubeless.<\/p>
Mini pumps<\/a> can make fixing punctures<\/a> hard work, so some riders opt for something a little bigger (a frame pump or a longer \u2018mini\u2019 pump) and mount it to the frame.<\/p>
A multi-tool<\/a> with a chain tool on it (plus a quick link<\/a> for rejoining) is a good idea too, as is extra clothing for unanticipated changes in the weather.<\/p>
All this means it\u2019s worth thinking about on-bike storage when you\u2019re speccing a winter bike. Do you want mounts for a bento box top tube bag? Or rack bosses? Will you be running a bar bag<\/a> (for maximum trendy points)?<\/p>
$\"Specialized$
Unusually, some Specialized bikes offer in-frame storage \u2013 a great idea. – Jack Luke \/ Immediate Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Specialized\u2019s SWAT (Storage, Water, Air, Tools) system deserves a mention here \u2013 bikes such as the Diverge<\/a> offer generous in-frame storage, so you don\u2019t necessarily need lots of luggage.<\/p>
It\u2019s not (just) about the bike<\/h2>
$\"Riding$
Riding in poor weather is partly about the equipment, and partly a matter of attitude. – Reuben Bakker-Dyos \/ Immediate Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Enjoying your winter riding isn\u2019t just about the bike, it\u2019s about mindset too, and also having the right kit.<\/p>
We\u2019ve got useful inspiration<\/a> to get you going, and some great advice on general winter riding<\/a> and riding in the rain<\/a>.<\/p>
If you\u2019re taking your training seriously, have a read of elite cyclist Tom Bell\u2019s advice<\/a> and watch Jack Luke and Joe Norledge talk through some of their favourite winter kit<\/a>.<\/p>
Can\u2019t face any of it? Maybe indoor training is for you. Our guide to the best smart trainers is here<\/a>.<\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n
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