Get Your Bike Winter Ready
- Posted on
Winter Is Coming: Is Your Bike Ready?
As the days get shorter and the temperature drops, it’s time to start thinking about how to get your bicycle winter ready. Whether you're a year-round commuter, a weekend adventurer, or just someone who loves the freedom of two wheels, winter riding doesn’t have to be miserable - or dangerous.
At Frontline Bikes, we don’t just fix bikes, we also provide a pathway to employment through our training programme in cycle mechanics.
Our team’s experience in repairing thousands of bikes means that we know what’s needed to help you ride safely through the cold season.
Why It’s Important to Prepare for Winter Weather
Winter brings a unique set of challenges for cyclists:
- Wet and icy roads increase the risk of slipping.
- Water, grime and salt from gritted roads can eat away at your bike’s components.
- Reduced daylight means you’re harder to see.
- Cold weather can affect everything from tire pressure to brake performance.
Ignoring these changes can lead to costly repairs, poor performance, or even accidents. A little planning and preparation can help you to save money and keep you safe all season.
How to Get Your Bike Winter-Ready
Here’s our checklist for turning your bike into a winter warrior:
1. Install Mudguards
Full mudguards will keep water and road grime off your clothes and your bike.
2. Lubricate More Often
Winter means more moisture, which means more rust. Use a wet-condition chain lube and clean your chain more frequently.
3. Check Your Brakes
Check how effective your brakes are by squeezing the brakes while the bike is stationery and tighten if necessary. You can also check if you need to replace the brake pads – click here for details on how to do that.
4. Light It Up
With darker mornings and evenings, front and rear lights are a must. Go for USB-rechargeable ones with a good lumen rating. Reflective tape or clothing helps too. The Road Safety Authority provides a range of high vis items for free - you can order from them here.
5. Lower Your Tire Pressure
Slightly lower tire pressure (within the safe range) increases surface contact and grip, which is especially helpful on slick surfaces.
Bonus Tips
- Always keep a pair of waterproof trousers with you.
- Invest in waterproof gloves and boots.
- Store your bike indoors or under a waterproof cover, to prevent rusting and to keep your bike dry and ready to ride.
Need help getting your bike winter-ready? Stop by our shop and we'll walk you through the essentials or do it for you.