Winter Bike Maintenance Tips
Winter conditions can be hard on your bike, whether you're riding a mountain bike or road bike. Knowing how to correctly look after your bike throughout winter will help prevent any unnecessary wear and tear.
Here are some of our best tips to help you look after your bike throughout winter.
Clean Your Bike Regularly
Cleaning of the frame, drivetrain, and forks will help prevent premature and irreparable wear. That means after wet conditions cleaning all moving parts of the bike with degreaser and re-lubing them again. Remember not to blast water directly into bearings and to dry down the bike when you are finished.
Regular Servicing
As well as regular cleaning of your bike, it is important to have your bike routinely checked by a qualified mechanic. They can help you replace any worn parts and keep your bike in good running condition.
Consistent Lubing
Using the right chain lube for the right conditions can help prevent drivetrain wear and keep your chain running smooth. Wet chain lube is widely recommended for muddy wet conditions, while dry lube is used for dry conditions. Remember to degrease and clean your chain from any dirt and grime before applying fresh chain lube.
Check Your Brakes
Wet and muddy conditions often contaminate brake pads. Whether you are riding a disc or rim brake bike, it is important to keep brake pads and rotors clean from contaminants. Wiping down your disc brake rotors and pads with a clean rag can help prevent dirt and oils from being logged into the brake pads. If you are struggling with poor performing brakes or noisy disc brake pads, a specific brake cleaner can help prevent the disc pads from absorbing contaminants.
Try Using Mudguards
Mudguards are a great way to keep your bike clean. There are many types of mudguards on the market that fit all types of bikes. They also help protect suspension forks from wear and helps keep dirt and grime away from your face while riding.
Keep Your Bike Indoors
While this may seem common sense, many people leave their bikes outside. Keeping your bike inside during the winter months can help keep your bike in good condition. It will also help protect electronics and the drivetrain from wet conditions and the cold.
At Cycle Science we have a range of lubrication and cleaning products to help keep your bike in tip-top condition. We also have a professional servicing department to service forks, brakes, and general maintenance.
