As the long, dark winter approaches, read my top tips for the best way to combat winter and keep cycling throughout the colder, wetter months.
Riding through Winter may seem like a daunting experience at first, but with a little bit of preparation not only does it prepare you for the better weather ahead, but also be some of the best times on a bicycle.
Mudguards
An absolute essential for winter. And with so many different types now available to fit even bikes without mudguard eyelets there is no excuse to not have any. Not only do they protect you from road spray, mudguards also help keep the bike cleaner, reducing wear on expensive components. If you go out riding with others over winter you will also keep them drier and safer too.
See our full range of mudguards here
Bicycle Lights
Again another thing to keep on your bike over winter. Daylight hours are much reduced and visibility is often poor when compared to the summer months. The huge development of LED and battery technology over recent years means lights are more powerful and last for longer. And riding at night, with a bunch of mates in the dark is one of the highlights of my year!
Shop our full range of Bicycle Lights here
Winter Bicycle Tyres
Thanks to more rain the roads are wetter, the leaves are falling so they can be slippy, and punctures always seem to happen when its raining. Couple of considerations on the rubber; check the condition of your current tyres and if they are looking worn, replace them. Or, consider a set of winter specific road tyres. Offering more puncture protection and grip, winter road tyres such as the Continental GP 4 Season or GP5000 AS TR if you want to run tubeless, are a popular choice and one that I have been using for years.
See our full range of tyres here
Bike Cleaning Products
There is no doubt that winter can be tough on a bike. The wet weather and mucky roads can cause increased wear on parts, particularly the drivetrain and brakes. Getting into a routine of maintenance after riding will help reduce the requirement to replace expensive parts, so invest in some good brushes, cleaners and lubrication!
See our full range of products here
A Winter Bike
Now I realise not everyone will have this luxury, but if you do have space for a bike that you only use through winter the benefits are massive. Not only is the bike ‘ready to ride’ with mudguards, lights and winter tyres already fitted, it will save your ‘best bike’ for the better months. Pictured above is the Orro Terra C 105 All Road Bike – ready to roll for winter!
Traditionally a winter bike was always a bit heavier with more basic components to keep costs down as things wear out quicker in the winter months, but with the increased use of disc brakes this is perhaps changing. With no brake rim surface to wear down, you could in theory run some nice wheels and still have a bike that performs well. That said, when Spring does come, that first ride on your summer bike feels like you are flying!
Tell us about your Top Tips for Winter Riding in the comments below.
