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RatherDashing · 10-11-2011, 01:02 PM

Hi guys, I’m looking for some bike advice.

I am planning on commuting by bike this winter. I just recently started riding my bike into work, and am currently riding on an old mountain bike that is in pretty rough shape. I am thinking of upgrading to a better commuter bike.

I am looking for a bike that will be able to handle the crappy winter days in Calgary, but will still be lots of fun and fast to ride around on the nice days. After doing a bit of research, a cyclocross bike sounds like it would fit my needs, but I have a few questions:

1) Will I be able to attach things like panniers or other baggage to a cyclocross bike?
2) Can you get studded winter tires for it? And do people recommend getting them, or just going with regular knobby tires.
3) How will it compare to a proper road bike for riding around in the summer?
4) How will it stand up to icy/snowy roads in the winter? Should I be worried about a new bike getting beaten up by riding it through the winter?

I'm also looking for a recommendation for a good entry-level bike, hopefully under $1000.

Thanks in advance.

10-11-2011, 01:02 PM	#126
RatherDashing Scoring Winger Join Date: Oct 2004 Exp:	Hi guys, I’m looking for some bike advice. I am planning on commuting by bike this winter. I just recently started riding my bike into work, and am currently riding on an old mountain bike that is in pretty rough shape. I am thinking of upgrading to a better commuter bike. I am looking for a bike that will be able to handle the crappy winter days in Calgary, but will still be lots of fun and fast to ride around on the nice days. After doing a bit of research, a cyclocross bike sounds like it would fit my needs, but I have a few questions: 1) Will I be able to attach things like panniers or other baggage to a cyclocross bike? 2) Can you get studded winter tires for it? And do people recommend getting them, or just going with regular knobby tires. 3) How will it compare to a proper road bike for riding around in the summer? 4) How will it stand up to icy/snowy roads in the winter? Should I be worried about a new bike getting beaten up by riding it through the winter? I'm also looking for a recommendation for a good entry-level bike, hopefully under $1000. Thanks in advance.