Winterise Your Bike

Is your bike winter-proof? Take these five precautions to protect your bike from those cold and wet days.


Jenny Kallista |

Is your bike winter-proof? Take these five precautions to protect your bike from those cold and wet days. – By Jenny Kallista

Image By Zoon Cronje
Image By Zoon Cronje

Invest In Fenders
During wet winters, your clothing can take a hammering on your MTB, as dirt splashes up your back. Invest in a pair of clip-on fenders to keep the dirt at bay and keep you clean.

Replace Rubber
New tyres are easier to control on wet roads and slushy trails. Worn or hardened rubber is less grippy. For a ­commuter bike, look for tyres that have a reflective strip.

Coat Your Chain
In winter, your chain wears faster. Use a heavier lube – ­Rock & Roll Gold Lube or White Lightning Wet Lube – to keep your drivetrain humming with fewer ­applications.

Overhaul Bearings
Protect them from grime by getting a mechanic to coat them with fresh grease, and check cartridge bearings (found in headset, hubs, and pedals) for play or grittiness.

Clean Up
Wipe your frame down after each ride (especially wet ones) and thoroughly clean your chain weekly. Keep all moving parts clean and lubed. Remove rim crud with rubbing alcohol.

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Be Safe

BE SEEN A good headlight and taillight are a must. Reflective clothing is advisable.
DETOUR Consider how weather and daylight affect road safety. Alter your route if necessary.
BUNDLE UP Wear breathable layers and a wind barrier. Add gloves, shoe covers and a buff (which can be used as a face mask or head cover). [/box]

READ MORE ON: bike advice maintenance winter

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