Gearing up for Winter Cycling

Gearing up for winter

Now that the winter weather is well and truly with us, the thought of getting out on your bike may seem like a crazy idea. Firstly, the winter weather isn’t particularly good for your bike – mud and grit can damage the bearings, and nobody likes a mucky bike do they? Secondly, the worsening conditions and increased hours of darkness can make winter riding more dangerous than normal.

Hanging up your bib shorts for the winter shouldn’t be the solution though. Taking a few months off the bike can have a terrible effect on your fitness, especially with the indulgement that takes place over the festive period! There are ways to push on through the colder months safely, and without doing damage to your new full-carbon setup.

Winter beater

Having a second bike which is used during the winter is the best way to protect your new one from the inevitable damage that comes with winter rides. Your other half may not understand the necessity to have a second bike “cluttering up the garage”, but they haven’t had to clean the grit from your bottom bracket, have they?

Putting your new bike into storage with a nice coating of WD-40 and breaking out the winter beater is a sure fire way to keep you on the roads. It might not be as light as you number one, but it munches up the miles and laughs in the face of dirt. The extra weight your number 2 carries will in fact aid your training so that when you get number 1 back out in the spring, you feel stronger and quicker. Just be sure to give it a quick service before you go out for the first time.

If you’re going to be using your bike indoors over the winter.  Be sure to get the best bike trainer so you can ride more effectively.

Staying safe

Now that you’ve decided to brave the cold and broken out the winter tights, it’s important to stay safe out there. With reduced hours of darkness, the most important thing to consider is being seen. A very basic piece of safety advice that is often overlooked by seasoned cyclists.

Being seen is important. Never mind that you resemble a highlighter pen, it could save your life! A fluorescent jersey and some good lights are a must if cycling after hours!

It’s important to make sure your bike is in good working order before you head out too. A quick service of the brakes and gearing should be sufficient. Depending on the conditions when you go out, altering the tyre pressure can increase traction on icy/wet roads.

Jefferies Solicitors have produced a quick check list which is useful.

So, what are you waiting for? Dig out your over shoes and gloves and get out there! Winter can sometimes be the nicest time of the year for a ride – sometimes.