Brave enough to venture out in the cold, slush, sleet and snow? Be safe, be smart! Follow these basic winter biking tips.
- Choose Aluminum Rims
- When wet, brake pads grip aluminum rims better than they do steel.
- Pick Fat 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.
- Avoid Salt Damage
- With lots of winter riding, occasionally wipe your frame, rims, spokes and derailleurs, and lube your chain. Use a toothbrush for hard-to-reach parts.
- Add 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.
- Prevent Bearing Damage
- After biking in wet weather put your bike indoors so bearings can dry.
- Clean Brakes Post-Ride
- 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.
- 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.
Photo Credit: Upsplash