Winter is here. Venturing out on your bike now demands more willpower and more layers of clothing.
Yet, winter can be a fantastic time to ride. Pushing through training during the year's most challenging months brings a immense sense of accomplishment and builds a solid fitness foundation for the sunny, warm rides of spring. There's a saying: winter cycling miles buy summer smiles.
The good news is you can make winter riding much easier and more comfortable, especially with a few tweaks to your bike. We've compiled some essential winter bike protection tips. Gale-force winds, rain, snow, freezing temperatures, and those darker, gloomier days can test the resolve of even the most dedicated cyclist. But a few simple changes can significantly improve your experience, making winter rides more pleasant.
1. Install Fenders to Stay Dry
Fenders might not be the most glamorous cycling accessory, but winter cycling is all about comfort and practicality. Save the sleek, minimalist photos for summer. This winter, protect yourself and your bike from road spray with a good set of fenders.
2. Consider Winter Tires for Better Grip & Puncture Protection
Winter road conditions make punctures more likely. Roads are often littered with debris, thorns, and other sharp objects that can pierce your tires. Plus, it's harder to see potholes or road defects in the dark. Winter tires offer superior traction and often include reinforced puncture-protection belts.
3. Pack a Repair Kit & Essentials
You should always carry everything you need for roadside repairs, no matter the season. But in winter, being over-prepared is worth it. A mechanical issue can be miserable in the cold and, in extreme cases—like when riding in remote areas—can even be dangerous.
4. Ensure You Have Quality Lights (Fully Charged)
In winter, it's hard to avoid riding in the dark or at least in low light. This means a set of bike lights—both to be seen by others and to see the road ahead—should be at the top of your shopping list if you don't already have them.
5. Clean and Lubricate Your Bike Regularly
This brings us to bike cleaning and maintenance. While winter riding takes willpower, the post-ride period is perhaps the second biggest test. It's easy to want to forget the bike, head straight for a hot shower, and cozy up under a blanket... but you'll pay for it later. Once it becomes a habit, cleaning your bike after a winter ride takes little time and effort, and your bike (and your wallet) will thank you.
6. Lube Your Chain Frequently... with the Right Lube
When lubricating your chain, ensure you're using the right type of bike chain lube. In winter, you typically need a "wet" lube. It's thicker and stickier than summer lube, meaning it can attract more dirt and grime, making your drivetrain dirty faster—but it's a worthy trade-off because it won't wash off in the rain or puddles.
7. Regularly Check Your Chain for Wear
If your shifting becomes slightly inaccurate and no amount of adjusting the cable tension seems to help, it might be time for a new chain. Checking your bike chain for wear is simple with a dedicated chain checker tool. If you replace it before it becomes too "stretched," you'll avoid wearing out your much more expensive chainrings and cassette. This task is so simple, and the tool is so cheap, there's really no excuse not to do it.
8. Check Your Brake Pads
Last but certainly not least: brakes. Your bike's brake pads work hard in the winter, and they wear out faster than in the dry months, largely thanks to gritty, salt-laden road grime. Check them regularly and replace them if they are worn down to the indicator line to maintain safe stopping power.
