Category: Archive

Your bike:-

Now the winter weather is upon us here are a few tips on helping to prepare
your bike for the winter!

• If you can afford it have a bike specifically for the winter as your summer race bike will get a bashing.

• Fit mudguards, ideally 'full' mudguards to keep you and your cycling colleagues drier.

• Fit cheap heavy winter tyres such as Continental gator skins, these will help prevent punctures and give better grip in the wet.

• 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.

• Put talcum powder in your tyres to stop the inner tube sticking to the inside.

• Always carry 2 spare inner tubes, a working pump and a set of Allen keys for emergencies.

• Make sure your drive chain is well oiled with 'wet proof' oil.

• Check your brake and gear cables are well greased.

• Check your brake bocks for wear on a regular basis.

• 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:

• Get into the habit of checking the weather forecast before your ride

• Temperatures can range from +15 down to well below zero, so be aware

• Invest in a good quality under vest that can wick moisture away from the skin

• Layer up on top of that dependant on the outside temperature

• 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.

• Invest in some overshoes to keep your feet dry and warm or even winter cycling shoes/boots.

• Don't make the mistake of cramming your feet into thick socks, it just cuts off the blood circulating to your feet

• Get gloves that are right for the weather conditions, there are hundreds on the market!

• Use some sort head protection under and/or over your helmet as modern helmets are vented to keep you cool not warm

• Remember nutrition, your will sweat as much in the winter as summer so take plenty of fluids and carbs with you.

• Always have some money and a phone with you, just in case!

• Carry spare batteries for lights.

• 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