We can definitely feel the shift towards colder weather and winter is here before we know it! Here are a few suggestions to help your bike run smoothly all winter so you can ride to class all year long:
Mudguards or fenders prevent water splashing on you- full fenders are great for rain but they can get packed with ice and snow once the rain turns to snow so use a clip on the fender in the winter so you can dump all the snow out easily. If you don’t want to spend the money on fenders you can cut up a milk carton and attach it with twist ties. Click on this link for instructions https://imgur.com/a/MRB5F
Wet chain lubes last a really long time and they won’t need as much attention for the winter as a dry chain lube but wet chain lubes may attract more dirt and grit. Wet lubes may attract dirt but they are great for shedding water and they won’t stiffen up in the winter.
Now that the sun is setting earlier it’s likely you’ll be riding in the dark. Lights on rims where it’s spinning are more effective because people can see it’s moving and they can tell it’s a bike. You’ll be much safer riding around in the dark with lights on your bike.
If you’re riding in the snow, consider getting tires with more tread or tires that are specifically designed for winter, You should also lower your tire pressure to allow for better grip- that means you don’t have to pump up your tires as often!
If you have cooking spray in your kitchen use it to spray on the bike frame to create a buffer against the elements and make it easy to wipe off grime. Just make sure you don’t get it on the rims or the disc brake if you have one.
You can only winterize a bike so much. If you happen to be considering buying a bike, try a Cyclocross bike. They’re similar to road bikes but have more tire clearance so you can fit wider tires on it. They most commonly come with disc breaks, which are more effective at stopping when the ground is wet because the surface of the brake doesn’t get as wet as a rim brake.
And of course, try to avoid ice as much as you can and dress warm!
By Kate Bruce
Advertising student in The College of Media
