We’re reaching that time of year again where the roads are constantly wet and our mountain bike trails are entering their swampy phase. It’s a battle against the elements, but unless you’re riding indoors or in the sun, it’s the only choice! Despite the bitter cold and relentless winds of the British climate, winter cycling oddly offers a rewarding sense of accomplishment that can’t be replicated by riding indoors.
Whatever your bike, prioritizing basic winter maintenance can significantly improve your morale and that of your bike and save you money. In this article, we’ve put together some essential tips to get your bike through winter, ensuring it weathers the storm until spring decides to make an appearance (fingers crossed!)
Winter brings its share of challenges: rainy days and salty roads are no strangers. Consider a good quality chain lube designed for these harsh conditions. Wet lubricants outshine dry lubricants, withstand rain and resist washout, providing your transmission with increased durability. Driving without proper lubrication is a surefire way to speed up your transmission.
Applying a frame spray after each wash helps repel water, leaving a clean, streak-free surface that mud finds less attractive. There are several options available, and the one I recommend is UK-based Juice Lubes for its effective performance. It also smells good, so give it a try! Remember, when using bicycle lubricant, protect your brake calipers and rotors at all costs! Old, torn t-shirts work well for this purpose. Avoid using greasy cloths for obvious reasons!
If you haven’t yet installed mudguards for your winter rides, believe me, you’re missing out! They may not have the cool factor or be the most aerodynamic, but riding on wet roads or trails with mudguards makes a world of difference in comfort compared to riding without them. First, they significantly reduce spray from your tires, keeping your gear, especially your rear end, clean, dry and warm.
Additionally, mudguards act as a protective shield for your bike, protecting it against abrasive elements like water, gravel and mud that could seep into moving parts and crucial cable housings. When installing them, be careful to avoid any friction against your frame. If you are attaching mudguards directly to your frame, consider applying frame protection to the mounting points (usually the forks and chainstay) to prevent particles from causing premature wear of your paint underneath the mounting rubber .
In winter, roads become dirtier with debris and rain, increasing the risk of flat tires. Now might be a good time to replace your lightweight summer slick tires with wider, more puncture-resistant tires. Consider going up the size: opting for 28mm, if your frame allows it, can be a reliable choice. For those who ride modern bikes, check if your rims support tubeless tires. If so, switching to a tubeless setup is very beneficial. If you’re a little hesitant, carrying a spare inner tube along with the classic tubeless puncture plugs gives you added peace of mind. Another good idea is to reduce your tire pressure. Going from 100 psi to 85 psi for tube tires will make a noticeable difference in traction, comfort and overall confidence with few watts lost. Otherwise, do like me and buy a gravel bike that will take you to places previously inaccessible on a road bike!
In the UK, rainy days are almost a certainty. Our roads have a mix of mud, salt and rain that can cause problems for your bike if left unchecked. To avoid problems, start by inspecting your bearings. Make sure they are well greased and move smoothly (no jerks, please). Pay attention to critical areas such as the headset bearings and bottom bracket. Fortunately, you don’t need to disassemble anything: usually, worn bearings show up as audible grinding or grinding noises. If you notice these signs, it’s time for a grease replacement or re-cycle.
The exact steps may vary depending on your bike model, so seeking professional assistance or consulting resources like YouTube for DIY best practices, if you have the tools, can be helpful.
Consider purchasing durable, water-resistant USB rechargeable lights—this investment will serve you well for years to come. There are powerful, high-brightness options available to ensure you ride with confidence, even in the darkest conditions.
Although it may seem a little annoying, it is essential to maintain your transmission after every wet ride. If time is of the essence, a thorough cleaning using a high-quality degreaser to remove all road grime can make a significant difference. While winter rides may not be the most enjoyable, riding a well-maintained bike with a smooth drivetrain is the only way to do it. -Mountain bikers, please take note 😉 Cleaning your bike doesn’t have to take very long:
Rinse off the worst dirt with a hose.
Degrease the chain: old kitchen brushes work well for this.
Wash using a microfiber or wool washcloth with cycling solution in warm water.
Rinse thoroughly with a garden hose.
Dry the bike.
Apply lubrication.
Finish with a bike spray.
Unfavorable conditions mean you are more likely to get a puncture and have problems with your bike. At a minimum, you want to pack your saddle with the following items:
Road:
2x inner tubes
Compact multi-tool
CO2 pump with 2x cans
2x plastic tire levers
Nitrile gloves (to protect white tape and keep hands clean)
Emergency Details (ICE) on laminated paper
£20.00 note
Mountain biking and gravel hiking:
Replacement tube
Multi-tool
Dyna socket
CO2 pump with 2x large canisters
Metal tire levers
Chain link
Emergency Details (ICE) on laminated paper
£20.00 note
Mars bar/energy bar
Unpopular opinion perhaps, but you know, there are times when hitting the road isn’t worth it, especially if the conditions and visibility are terrible. Have you thought about indoor training? I admit I had my doubts at first, but honestly, it’s fantastic. Sure, you might miss the feeling of accomplishment of a long winter ride, and you’ll still sweat (even with the best fans!), but you’ll stay warm, your bike will stay clean (wipe it down after use). always necessary) and above all, be much safer indoors. It’s worth a try!
Did we miss something? Let us know what you do to keep your bike performing at its best during the winter months. If you are new to Maillot Jaune and to our blog, welcome, we hope you enjoy reading our articles! Did you know that Yellow Jersey offers specific short-term and annual electric bike insurance designed for commuters, sport cyclists, mountain bikers and runners? Additionally, we offer travel insurance policies specific to one or more annual trips. Need a little help? Why not call our customer service on 0333 003 0046