The winter season has begun, which means we will be facing wet, windy and cold weather for the next few months. Every cyclist should prepare their bike for these outdoor conditions. The ideal solution is to have a second bike for the winter , which is more suitable for harsh weather conditions. However, if you want to use the same bike in winter as in summer, here are our tips on how to do it.

1. Change the tyres

Choosing a tyre that handles wet and dirty conditions well is the most important thing you need to do to prepare your bike for winter. Replace your summer tyres with something more durable with better grip on the sides. Also look for a tire that is heavier and denser. Many tires come with an anti-puncture coating, which is ideal for riding on dirt roads. This avoids having to repair a puncture in the cold😊

2. Tubeless tyres

Another good way to prevent flats is to set your tires as tubeless (if your wheels are tubeless ready). You will feel a big difference in how you ride.

3. Tyre pressure

Choosing the right tyre pressure for your bike set-up and the conditions outside can make all the difference to your cycling experience. Lower tire pressure gives you more traction and is more comfortable. It’s just a myth that lower pressure can cause flats, it doesn’t.

4. Wash and wax your frame

Clean the bike immediately after each ride – wet mud is easier to wash off than dry mud. Spray the bike and dry it. Applying a coat of wax to the frame makes this part of the maintenance much easier and also protects the frame from damage.

5. Chain maintenance

Wipe and clean the chain after each ride and use a good chain lubricant. Normal ‘wet’ chain lube is not recommended. You’ll mess around with it and the chain will pick up dirt quicker that way. The oil from such a lubricant can also foul the disc brake. It’s much better to use chain wax. If you know you’ll be riding on wet roads, put on an extra coat the night before you ride.

6. Attention to detail

Before winter starts, grease all the little screws on your bike, these are the first things to rust in the damp.

7. Safety first – check cables and brake pads

Before the winter season, check all the cables on your bike and replace them if they are worn. Check the brake pads for wear and check the type you are using. There are two types of brake pads – organic (polymer/resin) are soft and offer great stopping power, but wear quickly in wet conditions. Metallic brake pads are made from a much harder compound and wear much slower. However, they can squeak when wet.

8. Accessories

Consider adding fenders to your bike – if you have full fenders, you’ll make a lot of friends on group rides 😊 Fenders also help protect the rim brakes from excessive wear and tear.

9. Lighting

Don’t forget to add an extra set of lights to your bike and stay safe.

And of course don’t forget suitable winter cycling clothing – cycling trousers, cycling jackets, long cycling jerseys or leg and arm warmers.