Bike Advise?

[Pink Kona]

Hey all,

What are your thoughts on getting a trainer bike that has different geometry than your racing bike? I found a super sweet used Marin with nice components, runs like a dream - but the set up is different from my Kona. My coach is adamant about getting a bike that is the same set up - or very close to .... but this bike is a steal and fits me well. The biggest difference is my Kona has a compact aluminum frame, whereas the Marin is steel and a flat top tube. Urghhhh!!! What to do, what to do.....

Should I just say screw it and buy another Kona?

Please help... it's supposed to rain all week and I need to decide on this trainer situation.

Thanks,
Jen

[MightyMitre]

With road bikes the general advise is to try and get your winter training frame to be as close as possible to you race bike. Otherwise when you switch from one to the other the transition period may be longer.

This is something I'm thinking about as well. During the summer I made some adjustments to my summer frame, bought a compact chainset and a new stem so my winter bike is going to be considerably out of date. Can't afford to do double upgrades so I think I'll just have to go with it. The geometry is more or less the same.

I think if you able to, get as close a match as you can - but unless you're a millionaire or a pro you just have to do the best you can.

[Veronica]

Or if you're lucky enough to have a spouse/sig. other who rides the same bike you do.

V.

[caligurl]

i'm confused???? i just use my road bike that i've been riding on.. on the trainer.. i did buy a cheap rear wheel and put an old tire on it.. so i don't chew up my good tires...

so why not just do that? why buy a whole other bike? or am i missing something?

[Pink Kona]

So after much debate and a nights sleep - I decided to buy the cheaper model of my current bike. Not only will the geometry be identical, but it'll save me roughly $1200. It doesn't have the best of components on it - but I thought I could wear those down this winter with the intent of putting my worn Ultegra from my racing bike on the trainer and then upgrade the racer. Ahhhh... I should sleep much better tonight!

I debated using my racer through the winter as well - but with all of the rain I ride through in the PNW it would wear my nicer components out quicker than I'd like them to be worn. Hence, the option for buying a separate trainer that I can beat up with less remorse.

Oh and Caligirl - I mean trainer as in the sense of riding a bike out in the elements - not on the indoor trainer. Sorry for the confusion!

[caligurl]

ahhhh ok.. thanx! now i understand.. yes.. if it's icky, nasty weather.. i can see why you'd rather ride a "beater" than your expensive racer!

[Trek420]

caligurl sez "i'm confused???? ..... why buy a whole other bike? or am i missing something?"

you're not confused caligurl, or maybe we both are in which case you're in good company. I use my mountain bike on the trainer and also in bad weather, yes the fit is waaay different but I just need miles. If I could afford a specific rainy day bike would I get one? Probably not unless it also served some other purpose like faster commute bike. But again, I don't race. Gotta say that jobob's new wheels WITH fenders looks cool on a day like this.

[MightyMitre]

A fair number of club riders in the UK have a winter bike and a summer bike. The weather here is generally just wet and dreary for much of the winter, with the odd bit of frost, but plenty of muck and grime on the road.

Rather than spoil their pretty summer bikes with fancy carbon and nice shiney bits of Campag a lot of people opt for the winter option. I got mine - a nice little steel bike - from the ads in the back of Cycling Weekly for a bargain, and a lot of my clud mates ride a funny mix of old and battered.

Mud guards are also creeping in and aren't just something for the touring cyclist any more. Not only to stop the rooster tail effect, but to make following someone's wheel bit less messy! Most people spend very little on their winter training bike. As long as it's in good working order...

Talking of which, this weekend may well be change-over for me. I need to put the pedals, bottle cages and saddle pack on my winter frame and wrap my 'summer' bike up , all nice and snugg for the winter.

[Veronica]

Fenders are a must if you're going to ride in weather like we had today. It was pouring when I left for work this morning. So much so my bicycle jacket soaked through in ten minutes (my commute is only 1.6 milles ) Guess I need a new jacket. My students were impressed. The other teachers think I'm crazy.

V.


PS

And I think Fluffy looks pretty sharp with fenders. But I'm taking off my skinny little 23's and putting back on my sturdy SpeedBlends.

[snapdragen]

I want a Riv!!!!!!

[Veronica]

Get one! They have payment options - I think I read something about a 3 payment plan in the last e mail we got.

V.

[smurfalicious]

Originally posted by snapdragen
I want a Riv!!!!!!

I just want a road bike! *tantrum* Boyfriend is riding to Sisters tomorrow, on the road. Waaaaaah!

When I was little, I used to throw the best tantrums. Laying on my back, kicking and flailing my arms, screaming like crazy. That's how I feel now.

love and cookies
-smurf

[MightyMitre]

Fluffy is lovely and I think fenders are a pretty sensible idea. Nothing worse than turning up to a coffee stop with a wet bottom and leaving wet patches on the chairs.

[CorsairMac]

First Jobobs pink Riv and now Fluffy - I never even heard of Rivendell (cept for the Tolkein books) until yesterday and now I"m lusting for one. (can I use that word here?) I think Fluffy looks beeeoooooootiful and I'm orange with envy!

[Dogmama]

My helmet is off to all of you ladies! In the desert, if it's wet or cold, I stay inside. Luckily, we have few wet days.

Don't you slide around in the rain? Do you have special tires (that's "tyres" for Miti-M! Love your usage of the language. "Wet bottom" - too cute!)

I have a mt bike that I love to thrash around in the mud with. But it has big knobby t(y)ires & sliding is kinda fun -- don't have to worry about road rash when I biff it.