As the long, dark winter approaches, read my top tips for the best way to combat winter and keep cycling through the colder months.
Going through winter can seem like a daunting experience at first, but with a little preparation, it not only prepares you for the best weather to come, but also some of the best times on a bike.
An absolute essential for winter. And with so many different types now available to fit even bikes without fender eyelets, there’s no excuse not to have one. Not only do they protect you from road spray, mudguards also help keep the bike cleaner, reducing wear and tear on expensive components. If you go out riding with others during the winter, you’ll also keep them dry and safe.
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One more thing to keep on your bike during the winter. Daylight hours are significantly reduced and visibility is often poor compared to the summer months. The huge development in LED technology and batteries in recent years means lights are more powerful and last longer. And riding at night, with a group of friends in the dark, is one of the highlights of my year!
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Thanks to more rain, roads are degraded, leaves fall and can become slippery, and flat tires always seem to happen when it rains. Some considerations on rubber; check the condition of your current tires and if they appear worn, replace them. Or, consider a set of winter-specific road tires. Offering more puncture protection and grip, winter road tires like the Continental GP 4 Season or the GP5000 AS TR if you want to ride tubeless, are a popular choice and one I’ve used for years.
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There’s no doubt that winter can be tough on a bike. Rainy weather and dirty roads can cause increased wear and tear on parts, including the transmission and brakes. Adopting a maintenance routine after riding will help reduce the need to replace expensive parts, so invest in good brushes, cleaners and lubrication!
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A winter bike
Now I realize that not everyone will have this luxury, but if you have space for a bike that you only use in the winter, the benefits are enormous. Not only is the bike “ready to ride” with its mudguards, lights and winter tires already fitted, but it will keep your “best bike” for the better months. Pictured above is the Orro Terra C 105 mountain bike – ready to ride for the winter!
Traditionally a winter bike was always a little heavier with more basic components to keep costs down as things wear out more quickly in the winter months, but with the increased use of disc brakes this is maybe changing. Without a brake rim surface to wear out, you could in theory run nice wheels and still have a high-performance bike. That said, when spring arrives, your first ride on your summer bike feels like flying!
Tell us about your best tips for winter riding in the comments below.
