Winter is well and truly upon us, and that means cold conditions, ice, snow, sleet and all that fun stuff. During the festive season, there is less time for cyclists to enjoy their two-wheeled pursuits, but rather than simply locking away your bike and waiting for the frost to thaw, you can still get out there and go riding.
However, while a winter ride can be rewarding, with less crowded roads, crisp air, and a sense of resilience for braving the elements, the cold weather brings a set of new challenges to you and your equipment. It’s important to properly maintain your bike to keep it running smoothly through these winter months. Let’s take a closer look.
Regular and smart cleaning
Whatever the time of year, you should always clean your bicycle thoroughly, but winter brings with it new challenges. During winter, roads are often coated with salt, mud, and fine debris that sticks to your bike and increases wear and tear.
After a ride in conditions that are wet or dirty, it’s important to rinse your bike with lukewarm water, which helps remove corrosive residue before it can have adverse effects. Avoid using harsh pressure washers, which can force water into bearings and seals, causing more damage.
Extra attention should be paid to your drivetrain, as chains, cassettes, and derailleurs suffer the most during winter. It goes without saying that after cleaning your bike, it should always be dried thoroughly — this prevents more damage, as rust can be a real problem for your two-wheeler.
Lubricate!
Lubrication is important for bikes all year round, but during winter it is even more critical. Cold and damp weather brings with it moisture, which can wash away lubricant more quickly, leaving components exposed to corrosion and increased friction.
A wet lubricant is preferable during the winter months, as it adheres better during your ride, even in rainy and muddy conditions. It should be applied more sparingly to the chain, with any residue being wiped away once the lubricant has been allowed to penetrate the part.
Remember, over-lubricating the chain can actually attract more grit, creating a grinding paste that impacts wear. Moving parts such as derailleur pivots and brake mechanisms also benefit from light lubrication to keep them functioning smoothly.
Prevent corrosion
Winter also brings with it an extra chance for your parts to corrode, so prevention is another key element of winter maintenance. Although road salt is essential to winter road riding, it is also pretty aggressive and can damage metal parts in a surprisingly short amount of time.
Applying a frame protectant or light silicone-based spray to exposed metal areas can help create a barrier against moisture and salt. Regularly grease your bolts, seatposts and stem interfaces, as this will prevent them from seizing over time.
Use your eyes — checking your bike over at a glance can help you catch early signs of rust and other corrosion, which will allow you time to deal with these issues before they become more serious.
Tyres
In winter conditions, tyres are crucial for safety and comfort. You’ll find that your tyres will give you reduced grip in cold and wet conditions, so it’s of vital importance to regularly check your tyres’ condition and pressure.
While reducing pressure slightly can help with this, it’s important to stay within the manufacturer’s guidelines, as this can improve traction on slippery road surfaces. You should also regularly inspect your tyres for any signs of cuts, debris or excessive wear. Many riders choose wider tyres or models designed specifically for winter, as they often provide better puncture protection and stability. In icy conditions, studded tyres can dramatically improve control and confidence.
Proper storage
It goes without saying that storing your bike properly can help keep it safe and keep your confidence up for winter riding. Stow your bike in a warm and dry place (preferably inside), to help keep it away from sub-zero temperatures, frost and moisture. If you have no space indoors, invest in a bike cover; these can help prevent many of the problems we’ve mentioned before.
Riding in winter can be a rewarding experience, but bike care and maintenance are important to give you peace of mind when you’re riding. There is nothing less enjoyable than riding without confidence, so following these tips above and paying attention to your gears and other components will allow you to ride safely and have fun, even during colder weather.
Preparing for a big bike ride? Check out these awesome resoucres:
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Have you got a winter bike maintenance tip? Share it in the comments:
