Your bike:-
Now the winter weather is upon us here are a few tips on helping to prepare
your bike for the winter!
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If you can afford it have a bike specifically for the winter as your summer race bike will get a bashing.
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Fit mudguards, ideally 'full' mudguards to keep you and your cycling colleagues drier.
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Fit cheap heavy winter tyres such as Continental gator skins, these will help prevent punctures and give better grip in the wet.
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Don't pump your tyres up to max racing pressure, put in 10psi less than when you are racing, you will get a better grip in the wet.
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Put talcum powder in your tyres to stop the inner tube sticking to the inside.
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Always carry 2 spare inner tubes, a working pump and a set of Allen keys for emergencies.
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Make sure your drive chain is well oiled with 'wet proof' oil.
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Check your brake and gear cables are well greased.
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Check your brake bocks for wear on a regular basis.
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Clean your bike regularly, this will keep it in better working order and you will get fewer breakdowns when out on the road.
You:-
British winters can throw all sorts of weather at us so be prepared:
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Get into the habit of checking the weather forecast before your ride
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Temperatures can range from +15 down to well below zero, so be aware
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Invest in a good quality under vest that can wick moisture away from the skin
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Layer up on top of that dependant on the outside temperature
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Always have an spare light pocket water/wind proof + light fleece with you whatever the weather, you never know! It can be alarming how cold you can get if you have to stop in the open during a winter ride.
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Invest in some overshoes to keep your feet dry and warm or even winter cycling shoes/boots.
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Don't make the mistake of cramming your feet into thick socks, it just cuts off the blood circulating to your feet
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Get gloves that are right for the weather conditions, there are hundreds on the market!
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Use some sort head protection under and/or over your helmet as modern helmets are vented to keep you cool not warm
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Remember nutrition, your will sweat as much in the winter as summer so take plenty of fluids and carbs with you.
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Always have some money and a phone with you, just in case!
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Carry spare batteries for lights.
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Winter can be just as enjoyable as riding as in the summer if you are well prepared!
Also an interesting article/video:-
http://triathlete-europe.competitor.com/2013/10/22/video-how-to-ride-in-rain-and-wet-weather
Stephen Herriman
