Cycling is more popular than ever before as people look to get fitter and avoid public transport and the risks of contracting COVID-19.
We are commuting on them, we’re spending more time close to home using them, and we are taking them along for days out and ‘staycations’...
We have come to rely on them...
We have all been busy dusting off the bikes we seldom used before but with the onset of winter comes a vital checklist of things you need to sort out in order to keep cycling safely in the darker, shorter days and often hazardous weather.
If you have wondered how to get your bike ready for winter, read on. The hints and tips below might just save you some money. Then again they might even save your life...
Get it clean, keep it clean
If you are rescuing your bike from the shed, garage, loft or anywhere it’s been left for a while then a good clean is always a great first step. Warm soapy water and a cloth or sponge will do the trick, an old toothbrush is ideal for derailleurs, cranks and chains. Try to avoid jet washing and abrasive scourers which will almost definitely damage your bike.
Cleaning carefully and systematically will also allow you to go over your bike a component at a time and identify any issues, such as flat tyres, dead light batteries or loose fixtures and fittings.
Keeping your bike lean after that initial deep clean will also be a lot easier, important also as nearly all standing water on roads in winter is high in salt from gritting... Bikes really don’t get along well with salty water, especially chains.
Fit mudguards
One rule of thumb for cycling safely in winter; it is almost always wet... If you are commuting, water is your enemy. It comes up off your rear wheel in an inconvenient arc, all over you. It comes up off your front wheel, again heading straight for you and your precious work attire.
That isn't so bad if your are out in full lycra, if however you are heading for work, it can be an issue if you want to arrive looking your best. Mudguards help you do that, get a set and you'll be good for winter.
Get your bike serviced
There has never been a better time, don’t leave it until the first frosty mornings, by then it’s already too late. A service by a reputable local bike mechanic will cover every aspect of your bike. Ask about winter tyres, some people prefer more heavy duty rubber to combat icy or wet conditions and inevitable roadside thorns and twigs left over from hedge and roadside maintenance.
This year, the UK government have introduced a scheme aimed at giving applicants a £50.00 voucher towards servicing and fixing the nation’s bikes, find details on the Fix your Bike Voucher Scheme here.
Carry a multi tool and batteries
Depending on how prepared you like to be for eventualities you could end up carrying a lot of gear for peace of mind when cycling in winter. There’s a lot to be said for spare inner tubes, even a small first aid pack. However the two things that are most often needed there and then when cycling safely in winter is a multi tool and spare batteries for your lighting system.
These two things alone will enable you to resolve a large majority of issues by the side of the road and ensure your safety on dark mornings and evenings.
Invest in a little hi-vis
Reflective gloves keep your hands warm and visible, a decent hi-vis or reflective rain jacket is also a godsend and there are a multitude of dazzlingly luminous waterproof covers available for backpacks and work bags of every shape and size, not to mention helmets.
You can’t be too visible when cycling safely in winter!
Comments