Are you a bicycle rider? Yes, then staying warm in cold weather is not the only thing you should worry about while cycling during the winter. Your safety and enjoyment during your winter rides are essential, but you must remember the importance of the condition and function of your bike.
Maintaining your equipment and other K-edge tools correctly to counter all the problems you face in the winter is crucial. Your bicycle will need a lot more attention in winter due to all the salt, snow, slush, and debris on the roads to stay in top working condition.
Maintaining your bike for winter takes a little more effort than just cleaning equipment and other cycling parts. Here are some tips and tricks that help your bike to survive through winter, and you can enjoy happy riding.
1. Change your old tires:
The winter presents an unstable surface for the roads due to leaves, thorns, snowy roads, and oil from cars. These are only a few obstacles your bicycle tires must deal with. If your cycle has old and worn-out tires, you might end up with flat tires or severe accidents. Make sure to change your bicycle tires as soon as winter comes for a better grip on the road.
2. Install new brakes:
Brakes are one of the most critical pieces of safety equipment in every bike as it allows your bike to maneuver quickly and helps you stop your bike immediately. The brakes always look fine, but things can change instantly as the road is wet due to snow in winter. Buy and install brake pads for wet road conditions to be better equipped during rides in extreme weather conditions.
3. Keep your bike well-greased:
Your bike needs lubrication, whether in the winter or summer. Many lubricants are available in the market for every type of bicycle, but not all are suitable for winter. So, invest in a high-quality lubricant for wet weather with water resistance and anti-rusting qualities. Also, lube other moving parts of your cycle, such as brake bars, bottom brackets, hubs, and pedals. You require just a few drops of lubricant to make them run smoothly.
4. Use fenders:
The fenders are not the most beautiful cycling accessories, but they do their work correctly. A high-quality fender will keep your bike from looking like a disaster and prevent any mud from spilling on your body. The worst experience during rides is having mud sprayed all over your bike, legs, and back.
5. Inspect your bike for damage:
Do a thorough investigation on your bike and search for any signs of damage. If you find any problem in any part, change them before winter hits your place. Remove any rusting part from your bike, as it can spread the rust further during the snowy and wet season.
6. Stay Visible:
The winters are known for low visibility, and bicycles are not the best to ride in low visibility. Install high-visibility lights on your bike's front and back. Keep them on even during the day, as winter weather changes are more frequent.
You need to put extra effort into preparing your bike for winter. But your winter ride can become more fun if you use the best tools, such as a K-edge chain catcher, lights, and fenders that make your riding safer.
