Bicycle care in autumn and winter - This is how it's done

After the warm summer and before the stormy autumn comes, cleaning, care and protection for your beloved bike are on the agenda. No matter the conditions - cold, snow, ice, dirt, mud, water or moisture - this is how you prepare your road bike, mountain bike, e-bike or just bike for the cold season! Make sure that your bike runs as smoothly as possible during the autumn and winter months or next spring.

Cycling in winter

Of course, cycling to work, making a challenging tour after work or a tour on the weekend is possible throughout the whole year. To ensure a safe ride on a road bike, e-bike or bike in winter, it is particularly important to pay attention to the brakes and lights. In addition to slippery roads, visibility can also be particularly poor and fully functioning lights on the bike are also vital during the day. Are cycle paths not gritted or cleared of snow? This has been reported quite often in recent years. It is important to know that in this case the obligation to use cycle paths does not apply. Thus, it is safer and absolutely correct for cyclists to use the road. However, please do not use the pavement - this is generally prohibited.

Check and clean the brakes

Water, wet conditions and snow soil the rims on the bike enormously in winter. This causes the brake pads to wear down more quickly. A regular check before each ride shows whether the pads are still thick enough and the brake still works without problems. Our tip: Particularly in winter time, disc brakes prove superior to rim brake systems on the bike, as they work with consistently high quality regardless of moist and wet conditions and are less exposed to dirt.

Check the lighting

Are the rear light and headlight on your e-bike, road bike, mountain bike or bike still working? Special caution is required here and this should definitely be checked before every ride and not just at regular intervals. Alternatively, battery lighting, which has been officially permitted since 2013, can be used at any time. Otherwise, please visit a workshop for repair! Please do not forget to clean the reflectors regularly so that they are always clearly visible, even in the dark. After all, a roadworthy bike or safe cycling is always the top priority!

Correct clothing for cycling

Wrapping up well - but neither too cold nor too warm - is the most important thing when cycling. In particular for longer bicycle tours, it is advisable to wear several layers of functional clothing. Attention - wet and cold weather: Always remember to take a second set of clothes with you. Gloves and caps, which can be easily worn under the helmet, are of course part of the basic equipment in cold weather. For optimal and firm grip on the saddle: Quite a few people have a sensitive perineal area. In this case, it is advisable to wear special cycling underwear. Thus, there will be no wrinkles which may well lead to a sore bottom.

Prevent corrosion

Do you often park your bike in warm rooms in the evening or after a ride? In this case, we recommend washing off the slush with a clean cloth or cleaning the bike immediately after cycling. Of course, the same applies to coarse dirt: It's best to remove it immediately with warm water. This way you make sure that the bare metal surfaces do not corrode so fast and that no damage such as spoke breakage can occur. And one thing is certain: The best way to start the next tour is with a functioning, safe and clean bike!

Cleaning of the bicycle chain and chain care

Road salt, in particular, affects the moving parts like the chain. Often it starts to corrode visibly after only one day, i. e. after a very short time. In this case, it is advisable to thoroughly wipe the chain dry after riding and re-lubricate with the right chain oil. Is the chain exposed? If so, a mud flap can provide additional protection against dirt on the roads. By the way, a little oil in winter is also very good for the derailleur joints!

Which parts of the bicycle should be maintained, cleaned, checked and inspected in general and specifically? Where are small repairs necessary or where is a loose screw? What has to be checked:

Saddle
Handlebar
Bearing
Propulsion
Tyres and correct tyre pressure (air)
Brake and brake pads
Gear lever
Frame
Rim
Spoke
Shifting system
Bottom bracket
Reflectors
Bicycle chain

Another maintenance tip for additional high-tech chain protection!

In winter, we recommend 107 Xtreme CHAIN FLUID for the most adverse conditions such as snow, ice and road salt. Your bike and the material will thank you for it. Whether low temperatures, cold, snow, dirt or mud - innobike 107 Xtreme CHAIN FLUID as a supplement to 105 High Tech CHAIN FLUID (special chain oil!) unfolds its full effect in bad weather.

The advantages for cyclists at a glance:

Adheres and protects even during long rides in the rain on cold days
Ensures effortless pedalling in case of rain, wind and bad weather in low temperatures
Enables precise gear change under extreme conditions in the cold months
Protects against material wear

Application is as simple as this:

Quick, clean, dry: First, clean with 105 High Tech CHAIN FLUID. Allow to dry for at least one hour.
Apply 107 Xtreme CHAIN FLUID with the brush to the sprocket on the clean bicycle chain.
Turn the pedals backwards in freewheel mode and spray the CHAIN FLUID sparingly onto the chain.
Don't make any compromises!

INNOBIKE@YOURSERVICE: We've done the research for you!

Frequently asked online questions about bicycle care - in particular relating to the winter months:

How do I maintain my bike?
What do I use for bike cleaning?
How often do I clean my bike?
How do I clean the chain?
How do I winterise my bike?
Cycling in winter?
Does my bike comply with the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations?
Bicycle care products?
What are the best care tips?
Regular bike check?
Safety for other road users?
Most important tips for winterizing the bike and cycling in winter?
When is a major inspection and repair for the bike due?
Proper bike care, right clothing, tyres and warm feet?
Flat tyres due to road salt?
Spikes for the tyres?
Thorough cleaning of the frame with high-pressure cleaner?
Removing heavy dirt first with clean water, old rags, long bristle brushes or a dry cloth?
Good lubricant for the wheel?
Proper care and regular maintenance of the mechanical parts?
How to remove coarse dirt?
Should I use oil or rather a special bicycle cleaner?
Do summer or winter tyres make also sense for cyclists and not only for car drivers?

innobike provides solutions. We are looking forward to your contact!

Last but not least: What are the prospects? Simply excellent for the coming spring season - with innobike's tips and know-how the spring check for your bike after the winter months will be as easy as 1, 2, 3. With this in mind, we wish you a good, trouble-free and, above all, safe ride!

Date

23 October 2020