Biking in the transition season-Winter to Spring

[Starfish]

Oh, thank you for asking this question. I look forward to hearing the collective wisdom about this, too.

[DarcyInOregon]

I don't race, but I do have a nice road bike. I ride just about every day, in the wind, rain and cold. A bike is meant to be used. If you maintain your bike, I don't understand how riding it outside can damage it. Keep it cleaned and lubed and bring it inside.

Darcy

[pooks]

I'm glad you asked that question, too.

How do you clean a bike? Windex? Damp rag? Drop off at the dry-cleaners?

[Thorn]

I'll be interested in what this thread says....I make the transistion from my hybrid to my road bike when roads are free of salt and gravel. As Darcy says, washing down the bike will keep it, but, for me, it is more a road condition issue.

Up here in the snowbound north they dump so much salt and gravel that the bike lanes and road edges get a thin cover of gravel and salt. My road bike won't handle that, but my hybrid just ignores those pebbles. If I take my road bike out too soon, I end up having to ride too far into traffic. Combine an unexpected bike lane position with, gee it is early spring, an unexpected bicycle and it is a recipe for an accident.

So, my indication for switching to road bike is when the salt and gravel are gone. Usually that is about this time--a good couple of strong spring rains. Of course, we got 8 inches of snow yesterday...so....sigh....we start the countdown over....sob....cry.....sob....

[SouthernBelle]

Washing & lubing your bike:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Qk0PKq9UuU

[Geonz]

I do switch depending on conditions (yes, a bike is supposed to be used - I have four bikes! They all want to get used!). If it's dooky outside I'll wear one of my bikes with fenders; for commuting maybe the Gazelle and if I am doing longer, the Xtra. If I want more miles per minute I will ride the light one regardless. The heavy dudes are great for training, though, and make those rides on the Trek *fly.*
There might be a Miss Manners rule for it, I don't know - how after Easter or Memorial Day you're not supposed to have black fenders or something