The idea of riding outdoors through the winter months often conjures up visions of being cold and soaking wet as well as wearing out one’s bike equipment. But with just a few parts and some labor by your local bike shop, winter riding can be enjoyable and trouble-free.
Here are some things to keep in mind.
Fenders. Many people overlook the true benefit of full coverage fenders. With full fenders, 90 percent of the water is diverted from your back and feet, keeping you drier and more comfortable. “Buddy flaps” can also help keep water off your feet and the drivetrain of the bike and a rear flap will make your riding partners happier, since they won’t be eating spray from your wheel.
Most current road bikes don’t easily accommodate fenders, but many shops have a system that will “bridge” the fender around the brakes and fork to allow tire clearance while still maintaining full coverage.
Brakes. Changing your brake pads over to a wet-weather specific compound will improve braking in the cold and damp. These pads are often made of a softer compound to improve grip on wet rims and decrease abrasion of the rim surface over time.
Winter maintenance. It’s often said that one rain mile is equal to five dry miles, and this refers to the wear of brake pads, rims and drivetrain components. By cleaning the bike after each ride, you can monitor brake-pad wear, reduce the abrasive material that accumulates on the rims and drivetrain, and inspect the bike for any other problems.
Water spray from the road also includes fine grit and oils. These contaminants accumulate on the rims and drivetrain, creating abrasive slurry that wears parts much faster than normal. By periodic cleaning, the wear from these contaminants is reduced.
Another often overlooked item is the chain. Normal chain life is only about 1,500-2,000 miles, after which time the chain becomes “stretched” and will increase the wear on the rear cogs and chain rings. Changing the chain frequently is like changing the oil in your car: it minimizes major wear and tear, or worse, comprehensive drivetrain replacement, which gets expensive quickly.
With the right equipment and preparation, riding through the winter months can be both physically beneficial as well as enjoyable. There will always be days too cold or wet to ride, but many people are surprised that being properly equipped makes commuting or fitness riding satisfying and even refreshing.
In my book, anything beats staring at the wall while riding the indoor trainer.
Rick Olson has been in the bike business for over 20 years. He is the manager at Sammamish Valley Cycle in Redmond, Wash. Email Rick your winter bike questions at rick@sammamishcycle.com
We welcome Group Health as our Bicycle Commuting sponsor. Based in Seattle, Group Health Cooperative is a consumer-governed, nonprofit health care system that coordinates care and coverage to half a million residents in Washington and Idaho. www.ghc.org
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