The House Stark motto, “Winter is Coming” reminds us to be vigilant and always prepared. The same can be said for taking care of your bike during the winter months. Winterizing your bike can take on two forms; preparing it to ride during the cold or for long-term storage until Spring. Either technique has steps you need to follow so your bike stays in good condition.
Winter Riding – If you live in a mild winter climate or are dedicated to riding in any conditions, you’ll need to elevate your maintenance game to keep your bike rolling. Ideally, having a wash station to rinse the grime, salt and sludge off your bike after a ride is best practice, but having your garden hose hooked up when the temperature drops isn’t always feasible. The next best thing is to use a hand pump garden sprayer. Pair the sprayer with a sponge or a soft-bristled brush and a chamois to keep your ride spot less. Also, don’t forget to regularly lube your chain, more than you would in warmer times.
Put on tougher, wider tires if you have a road bike. The wider tires provide better traction. Consider adding fenders to keep your back(side) dry during soggy days. Switch out your grip tape to something with more padding for better insulation and/or purchase bar mitts.
Two useful tips from our experts: spray cooking spray on your frame, pedal clips and fenders to keep dirt, snow and ice from accumulating. Be sure you don’t overspray onto braking surfaces. Another expert tip is to use bar chain oil used in chainsaws. This is recommended for extreme mud and snow and may wear out your chain faster. Maybe take a day off if it’s horrible outside.
Winter Storage – If you decide to put your bike down for a long winter’s nap. There are a few steps you need to take to ensure your bike is ready to roll when the weather turns nice again. Remove your water bottles, gear packs, cyclocomputer and any other items not attached to the bike. Store them in a warm dry place. Wash your bike and get all the dirt and grime off to prevent corrosion. Finally, get a full tune-up. Make sure the tires are fully inflated and the chain and cables are fully lubed. Ideally, store your bike in a secure, warm dry place, but this might not be a possibility for some. At the minimum, make sure the bike stays out of the elements until you’re ready to ride again.