Winter cycle maintenance

We LOVE cycling, but we get it – there are different challenges when it’s dark and cold! This doesn’t just impact riders either – the harsh winter conditions can accelerate wear and tear or damage to your cycle.

Whether you’ve been riding every day or have safely stored your cycle away until the warmer months, winter cycle maintenance goes a long way to ensure you’re prepared for when spring rolls around. Below, we’ve compiled our top tips for taking care of your cycle during winter – to keep things running smoothly all year round!

Keep your cycle clean

Winter conditions can be harsh on your cycle, causing a build up of dirt, grease, and extras like grit from icy roads. Regularly cleaning your cycle isn’t just about appearances – it’s important to keep it in the best condition possible. Use a brush or cloth to remove stubborn dirt or mud (especially around the chain), then rinse with clean water. You can also use a bike specific cleaner on areas prone to heavy build up, like the drive train.

Rinse again with fresh water to remove soap residue, but don’t forget to thoroughly dry your cycle to prevent rusting! If it’s hard to dry your cycle practically – give it a little bounce to get rid of most drips, or even just do a short ride up and down the road outside your house and then store it away in a dry place.

Use lubrication

Add lubricant after each clean to help protect against wear and tear. Add it to areas like your cycle chain, cables, jockey wheels and moving parts of the derailleur – do this carefully to avoid drips! A wet lubricant will keep your chain lubricated even during soggy conditions – ideal for all that winter rain!

However, be careful not to use too much lubricant or anything thick, like engine oil. Too much lubricant can attract dirt, grit and grime, leading to buildups that could damage your cycle chain or other parts. And never lubricate your brakes – that defeats the whole object of them working!

Look after your tyres

Proper tyre maintenance is crucial all year round, but especially during the winter months. Before every ride, inspect your tyres for anything embedded that might cause a puncture, as well as general signs of wear and tear like cracks or smooth areas of tread.  As a rough guide, tyres should be replaced every two to five years, or sooner if you notice any heavily worn areas or abnormal cracks and bulges.

Keep an eye on your tyre pressure too – low pressure can make you more susceptible to punctures. Pump tyres regularly but reduce the pressure slightly during the winter months. A reduction of around 10psi will give you more grip on slippery or icy roads.

Add winter accessories

Stay safe, comfortable and dry when cycling in winter by choosing smart accessories. Add mudguards to help to protect you and your cycle from grit or dirty water, reducing corrosion and giving you less to clean!

Cycle lights are also a must to help you see and be seen when cycling in the dark or low light conditions. Attach bright, rechargable lights to both the front and back of your cycle to ensure you’re visible. It’s best to store your cycle indoors during winter, but if you don’t have the space, invest in a hard wearing, waterproof cover for the outdoors to protect against corrosion and rust.

Pack the essentials

Prepare a ‘winter essentials’ kit to ensure your cycle stays in good condition out on the road, especially if you’re planning a longer ride or remote route. Include things like a multi tool, spare tubes, a mini tyre pump, and a chain tool. Don’t forgot personal essentials too, including plenty of water, snacks, a first aid kit, foil blanket, warm and waterproof layers, and a fully charged phone or backup charger if you do get stranded in the cold.

However you choose to cycle during the winter months, we hope we’ve given you some valuable tips to ensure your cycle lasts for years to come. You can find more tips for how to enjoy cycling in winter here, or visit our Get Cycling page if you need some help brushing up on your skills first!