Winter is creeping up on us, and while we might be swapping shorts for thermal tights, it doesn’t mean our beloved road bikes need to hibernate. With a little love and care, you can keep pedalling through the chilly months without a hitch.
So, let’s go over some top tips for looking after your road bike in the winter and keeping it in great shape.
Don’t let your bike join the grime club
Winter riding means more grit, grime and road salt finding their way onto your bike. All that gunk can be tough on your components, leading to rust, wear and poor performance.
Get into the habit of rinsing your bike off after every ride, particularly if the roads have been wet or salted. It, by no means, needs to be a full spa treatment each time – a quick spraydown or a squeegee job to get the worst of the muck is worlds better than nothing.
For those living in a London flat or somewhere with no outdoor space, it will be a wee bit more difficult to rinse your bike. A good wipe-down is, in that case, your best friend - especially for your chainset. It goes a long way in keeping dirt from building up and causing problems.
Now, for a deeper cleaning, take a bucket of warm water and some bike cleaner soap – or simply some fairy liquid – and make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies around the drivetrain and the brakes. No need to use degreaser each time if you repeat the process often enough for the dirt not to accumulate on your chain.
Keep your chain happy: lube responsibly
Talking about your chain... Winter riding can quickly wear down your chain due to wet conditions that make everything rust. To protect your bike, it’s important to use the right lube - and this is another minefield.
When it comes to lube, there are two schools of thought: some believe in wet lube simply because it is thicker and also considered better at keeping out moisture; others swear by dry lube since it's a lot less messy/sticky. It could however be a little less effective against road salt and needs to be reapplied more regularly. It would also wear off with the rain.
Top Tip: if using dry lube, keep a mini one with you on the ride to reapply in case of rain showers.
You must also remember that less is more! Too much lube can attract dirt and create a gritty paste that harms your drivetrain. Simply apply a thin line of lube to each link and wipe off the excess —especially after a quick post-ride wipe-down. Try to do this every couple of weeks or whenever your chain looks dry.
Some swear by waxing, either by simply applying wax lube or by fully waxing a set of chains - a topic that we will cover in a separate article.
Don’t let your tyres go flat — or your brake pads go loud
Keeping your tyres in check and your brake pads in top shape is essential for safe winter riding. It’s possible to use winter tyres for better grip on slippery surfaces, which can make a big difference in your ride - you will feel more comfortable but your bike will also be a little heavier.
Please note that you don't have to switch to winter tyres by any means, at Moloko we don't. We just make sure our tyres are not worn to keep safe and avoid flats.
It's also a good idea to check your tyre pressure more regularly and to carry more than one spare inner tube whenever you go out riding: wet roads cause more punctures so during winter, we usually have at least two spares and a bunch of Co2 canisters with us.
Lastly, remember to clean your disc pads regularly, too! If you’re unsure how to do it, consider joining our December Workshop to learn the ropes or simply get Fettle to do it for you (head to our brand page to get your 10% discount).
To mudguard or not to mudguard?
Mudguards can be a game-changer for winter riding – but many would rather ride through a monsoon than risk their fashion cred.
And sure, if we listen to the cycling fashion police, they might not win any style awards, but they help keep all that road spray and grime off you and your bike. This means less cleaning and better protection for your components.
In short, it's definitely worth considering — and some clip-on options are super easy to install. Your bike and your butt, as well as the person sitting on your wheel, will thank you for it even if your fashion takes a little hit.
Frame protection: make a raincoat for your bike
Protecting your frame with a little extra shielding is a smart move. A bike protector spray from your local bike shop can work wonders, helping to guard against scratches and chips from all that grit and grime.
We use a ceramic coating from G-Technique - it's super easy to apply with a microfibre cloth after cleaning your bike. It provides a long-lasting layer of protection against moisture and dirt, making your bike easier to clean.
If you want to go the extra mile, Ride Wrap offers frame protection with a custom film. Sure, it's a bit of an investment, but it's a great way to extend the life.
Don’t let a thief steal your joy — insure that ride
We can’t stress enough how important it is to have your bike insured. A bad fall, a theft, or even a simple mishap can lead to costly repairs or replacement, and you don’t want to be left in a lurch.
Having the right insurance gives you peace of mind, knowing your investment is protected no matter what happens. So, take the time to research your options and find a policy that fits your needs. Here at Moloko, we have partnered with Sundays to give you a 15% discount (25% for Moloko members) - the team is very responsive and always here to help.
It’s a small price to pay for the security and reassurance you’ll feel while out on the road.
Overall, don’t forget to give your bike a once-over regularly.
By following all these tips — cleaning and lubricating your chain, checking your tyres and brake pads, and protecting your frame — you’ll ensure your bike stays in top shape, no matter what the weather throws at you.
And remember, if you need a little extra help or advice, check out Fettle, our bike servicing partner – and get 10% off with MOLOKO10!
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