As the cold weather approaches, you must ensure that your bike is still well-maintained. Below, you’ll find three important tips for maintaining your bike during winter.

1: Tune Up Your Bike

To ensure that your bike is well-kept during the winter, make sure you tune up your bike is in top condition regardless of whether you choose to ride during winter. To tune up your bike, you’ll need soap, water, rags, chain oil, an air pump, and cone, headset, and spoke wrenches. For detailed instructions on how to tune up your bike, check out this video.

2: Prepare Yourself for Winter Riding

Should you choose to ride your bike in cold weather, you must adapt the way you ride your bike. First, make sure your bike has tires that can withstand the weather. Generally, it is advised that people avoid riding regular bikes during winter. However, getting wider tires may help in giving your bike a greater grip. Along with that, make sure you dress adequately for the cold conditions. This includes both layered jackets as well as breathable jackets.

3: Go to the Campus Bike Center to For Expert Help

At the Campus Bike Center, located at 51 E Gregory Drive, Champaign, you can find expert help in learning what you need to know about biking and minor repairs. With support from The Bike Project of Urbana-Champaign, the Bike Center can help you with all you need to know about bike upkeep throughout the Winter.

Whether you choose to ride your bike this winter or not, you must maintain your bike. Regardless of the season, you should always remember to engage in safe biking practices. Remember to always follow the rules of the road while biking, lock your bike with a U-Lock, and register your bike via the Bike at Illinois website. Learn more at the Bike at Illinois website (bike.illinois.edu), and if you have questions, comments, or suggestions please send an email to bike@illinois.edu. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay connected

By Alex Gallardo