Winter Biking Tips
Brave enough to venture out in the cold, slush, sleet and snow?
Be safe, be smart!! Don't leave home without these basic winter biking tips:
- Rims
- When wet, brake pads grip aluminum rims better than they do steel.
- Tires
- Fat tires have better traction. Tires less than 1 1/4" wide work better on wet streets when under-inflated. Use tires with a deep tread pattern.
- Salt Damage
- With lots of winter riding, occasionally wipe your frame, rims, spokes, derailleurs and lube your chain. Use a toothbrush for hard-to reach parts.
- Fenders
- They beat almost anything to keep you dry on wet pavement. The newest plastic ones are inexpensive and light, but can break if installed wrong.
- Bearing Damage
- After biking in wet weather put your bike indoors so bearings can dry.
- Brakes
- Grime builds up on brake pads, making them squeak or scratch your rims. Run a rag between each pad and the rim, like shining a shoe. Occasionally remove the wheel and check pads for wear.
