Winter is typically regarded as the offseason as keeping your bike clean and operating is a challenge. The sand that’s all over the city streets on snowy days gets caught in the brake pads. This can cause wear and tear of the pads and rims. Road filth can cause your frame to rust and the bearings which allow you to pedal your bike get damaged. Persistent rain and snow will not force you to retire your bike at the basement and leave you frustrated as following a few simple hacks will help you to vanquish the challenges.
The following suggestions will enable you to enjoy a smooth and fun ride through the snow.
Check your battery
Cold weather is extremely detrimental to your battery’s life. You must hate early morning cold starts. Be extremely vigilant and investigate any sluggish start. The cold cranking amps can run down your battery even if the voltage is good. So identify any malfunctioning at the very beginning itself.
Stop the Salt
Act Quickly
Just after wet rides use a rag and wipe your bike dry. You may also use a sponge so that the frame does not get scratches. Scrub it thoroughly as this will reduce the number of major washings.
Lubricate
It is extremely important especially during winter. Lubricants act as water barrier and also ensure safety. Chassis bearings get damaged due to the weather. You must clean the lever points, grease them and ensure that that the pivot points are in control. Seals and bearings must be inspected regularly so that they are greased to ensure uninterrupted service. Water dispersing sprays must be used on bullet terminals, connector blocks, spade connectors and earth points.
Keep your brakes right
While riding in the snow when the roads are slippery you must ensure your brakes are perfectly functional. Grip is substantially lesser during this season so you must monitor brake fluids. Calipers are to be kept clean as they have enough power to lock wheels. Sticky ones will only invite more trouble for you.
Rinsing
Washing a salty bike everyday isn’t feasible but you must make good use of the odd warm days during winter. You can wash your bike outside with cold water and sponge. Use a hose or if is unavailable even a garden sprayer will do. Just fill from the tap and pressurize it. A detergent will help you to break down the grease. Cranks, chain, ears and the lower part of the frame need special attention. The underside, rims and brake pads have the heaviest salt accumulation hence they need more efforts. Occasionally you can also give your bike a bath indoors. Put it into the tub and turn on the shower. The cold water will wash away the salt. Use a sponge to clean any tough filth and leave your bike to be dry completely before bringing it back to your house. You must not use hot water as that can worsen the corrosive effect.
Check your chains
Perhaps the most important step after bike rinsing. Apply lube on the chain by rotating the pedals backwards and drip it on the center rollers of the chain. Cranks must be rotated so that the lube can make its way to the chain. Excess must be wiped out with a rag and by rotating the cranks backwards. Bike specific chain lubes must be used not de greasers like WD-40. Auto oilers are worth considering as oily lubes though fight corrosion they are more susceptible to filth from the road.
Fluids
Water must be drained out and replaced with a coolant as it may freeze inside the engine which will cause cracked cylinder heads and wear out the engine. Engines wear out quite often in the cold weather as the warm-up time is more. Tired coolants don’t work well though.
Have necessary night lights
The wiring and connectors must be checked regularly. Fit quality bulbs and if necessary visit your nearest MoT center to test them. Tinted lenses and indicator light units though look stylish but they make you almost invisible in the dark of winter. You must have bright lights for your safety and for precautionary measures you should use LED running lights. They will help your bike to look bigger and thus stand out in the dark and thus avert an accident
The messiest cold weather months do pose a challenge as the salt and other filth on the road often get stuck on the brake pads and make riding difficult but following the above simple tips will allow you to ride hassle-free and safely.
