Riding in winter...

[huwsparky]

What precautions do you guys/girls take with regards to bike maintenance during the winner months of riding?

Want to keep my keep bike tiptop (when I get it).

 

[summerdays]

More often than summer but otherwise not really different to summer ( except I get colder!)

 

[DCLane]

Mudguards and more maintenance. Otherwise not much.

I also buy clothes now for the winter as they're cheaper in the summer since retailers don't want to keep stock of winter clothing.

 

[Beebo]

Clean and lube the drive train a bit more often.
The main problem is salt from the road, clean the bike if you know the road has been gritted.

 

[numbnuts]

The same as I do all the year round, if it falls off I'll fix it.

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

As already suggested, clean and lubricate, but more frequently than in summer. Mudguards do help if they'll fit - there are versions to fit bikes with tight clearances.

Don't put the bike away wet. Even if you don't have time to give the whole bike a wipe down make sure that at least the chain is dried as it'll corrode/seize amazingly quick if left.

You'll probably find that the brake blocks will wear faster in winter conditions so worth checking regularly.

 

[raleighnut]

I swap bikes around in the shed so the 2 with permanent mudguards are closest to the door and the disc braked MTB (with spiky tyres) is easy to get at in case of snow.

 

[Saluki]

Did you have to mention the W word already, let's all enjoy the sun and the warmth before it goes.

I use my W bike and keep it clean, use slightly heftier tyres and make sure that the bits that need lubing are lubed. If it's really horrible I take the MTB. I live out in the sticks so it gets pretty muddy and cow-pooey around here in the winter.

 

[huwsparky]

Thanks all for your advice.

Didn't realise the 'w' word was such a big deal!

 

[tjones]

I'm lazy, I have a crappy old bike I use for the winter when the salt is on the roads.

The local bike shop look at me like I am mad when I get it serviced, but why ruin my good bike

 

[biggs682]

The same as I do all the year round, if it falls off I'll fix it.

yep that sounds about right

 

[summerdays]

yep that sounds about right

Ideally just before it falls off

 

[up hill struggle]

I also buy clothes now for the winter as they're cheaper in the summer since retailers don't want to keep stock of winter clothing.

oh, thanks for for that little tip.

Did you have to mention the W word already, let's all enjoy the sun and the warmth before it goes.

its sunny and warm there?

Your lucky we normally get one or the other here. Yesterday was hot and rainy but today has been rain this morning then dried up this afternoon but a bit chilly compared to other days. Weather cant decide what to do.

 

[The Mighty Boosh]

I don't plan on taking my Defy 1 out this winter (turbo trainer for me this year), but if I did it would be cleaned when ever it was dirty and oiled daily, nothing beats a shiny chain

 

[HovR]

GT85. GT85 everywhere. Ok, not everywhere, keep it out of your braking system, bearings and chain. But otherwise it's a nice protective layer for the frame, and helps prevent corrosion and repels water within the cables. I'll spray it on when cleaning down my bike (which is normally once a week, depending on if salt has been on the roads), and it also makes cleaning a bit easier.

Keep your chain well lubricated, but also keep it clean. In the winter your chain can turn in to a state very quickly, especially if you just keep applying lubricant over the previous application. Wipe your chain down, wipe it some more, do a bit more wiping, and then you can add lubricant. Take it for a ride around the block, give it another wipe, and you should be good.

I like to use a dry lubricant and reapply it after every wet ride, as it's so nice and clean. A wet lubricant will have more staying power, but will also be messier.

If you have an air compressor, it's fantastic for blowing water out of the chain. Reapply lubricant afterwards.