Taking care of your bicycle in winter is crucial to keep it in top condition for future use and prevent unpleasant surprises. Here are some of our top winter tips:
Clean Your Bike Regularly:
Irish roads and trails are often covered in dirt, muck, and salt, accelerating corrosion. Use bike-specific cleaning products, get into every spot with cleaning brushes, and dry your bike with a microfiber cloth. Consider using a detailing product like ‘Muc-Off Protector‘ for a non-sticky protective film. Ensure your bike is completely dry before storing to prevent rust.
Our range of bike cleaning products can be found HERE
Maintain a Clean Drivetrain:
Winter conditions can be harsh on your drivetrain. Degrease your chain every 5-10 rides using a chain cleaning tool. Use a wet lubricant for your chain during winter; it repels water and lasts approximately 160km or 100 miles. Reapply after heavy rain. Be cautious with cleaning products around brake components to avoid contamination.
Our range of lubricant products can be found HERE
Check Your Bike Over:
After cleaning and lubricating, inspect your bike. Check brake and gear cables for deterioration; lubricate operating parts to slow down wear. Look for loose bolts, tire wear, and other issues. Inspect tire pressure and brake pads—change pads when they reach 1mm or if the groove is no longer visible on rubber blocks.
Storing Your Bike:
Proper storage prevents devaluation and saves on replacement parts. Ideally, store indoors; if not possible, use a bike cover. This protects against corrosion on moving parts and prevents moisture on brake or gear cables, which can expedite deterioration. Storing your bike indoors or under a cover minimizes the risk of ice/frost forming on cables overnight.
Top Tip-If your bike ever gets wet either through riding it or cleaning it, always dry it off and oil the chain. This will help prevent corrosion appearing on the chain and prevent it from seizing up
