With the days getting shorter and weather not so cycling friendly, Cycle SuperStore gives some handy tips on how to winter proof you and your bike
Winter Proofing Your Bike
Before you head out on your bike, we suggest you attach a good set of mudguards to your bike. You should choose full length mudguards and try to avoid the ‘ass saver’ style mudguards. Attaching them 
will ensure that you are not covered in mud and dirt that your wheel will throw up. Apart from the mudguards, you should also consider looking at your tyres. With so much debris being blown onto the road, you should consider looking at ‘puncture resistant’ tyres. These style of tyres are less likely to puncture, then your conventional road tyre. One such tyre would be the Maxxis Refuse. When choosing a tyre, you should also consider its thread depth. Before heading out make sure all moving parts on your bike are well lubed and that you are using the correct lube.
Winter Proofing Yourself
Not only should the bike be winter proofed so should the rider. Ensure that you dress appropriately to match the weather conditions. There is nothing worse then heading out on the bike only to realise that you didn’t dress adequately and that you still have another couple of hours left on the bike. All the brands we stock have a winter range, they would include Assos, Madison and Bicycle Line. Don’t be afraid to bring too much clothing, you can always remove a layer and as the old saying goes, ‘It’s better to be looking at something then looking for something’. Another important piece of kit, would be Overshoes. These are vital if you don’t want to suffer with cold and wet feet, while out on the bike. Always make sure your clothing is reflective and that you can be easily seen by other road users. We stock a small range of reflective items which include reflective stickers which can be applied to most surfaces and will ensure you are seen.
Always make sure that you also have a good set of bicycle lights. This will ensure that you are seen by other road users. We stock a full range of lights which will suit all budgets. Our lights can be found Here. If your light is rechargeable, ensure it’s fully charged, as wet weather can sometime affects the battery levels of lights.
Post Ride
With the roads being a lot more dirtier and full of debris, you should try and keep your bike as clean as possible. Even if this is not possible, always try and wipe away any excess dirt. During the winter months, make sure you use wet lube. The difference between web lube and other types of lube, is that it is water resistant, so won’t get washed off riding through puddles and or in a rain shower. Some wet lubes can also resist salt corrosion. The most popular wet lube in our 
workshop is Finish Line Web Lube. Another item that should also be in your tool box, is Muc-Off Bike Protector. This will help preserve and freshen your bike. You should always try and use a silicone based spray as this type of spray is the best water repellent.
If you have been out cycling and have encountered a heavy rain shower or very wet roads, you should always reapply the wet lube to your chain. Most wet lubes will last for around 160km (100 miles), however its effectiveness can be affected by wet conditions. You should also reapply wet lube to any operating parts on your bike like brake cables. Again it’s effectiveness can be altered by a heavy rain shower or very wet conditions. A word of advice, if you are using wet lubes or sprays, make sure you reduce any over spray and that it doesn’t come in contact with any braking services of tyre thread. A simple suggestion would be to place a cloth behind the chain as you apply the lubricant and wipe away any excess.
During the winter month try and store your bike either indoors or under a bicycle cover. There are many advantages for doing this and they would include, less corrosion/rust appearing on your bike and that your bike will weather less ensuring that the bike doesn’t devalue too much. We stock a full range of bicycle covers and they can be found here. If you are out on your bike during the winter months and you notice that your brakes are sticking, this could be caused by moisture getting into your brake cables and causing rust. If this is the case you should try and change the cables straight away. This moisture on your brake cables can sometime turn could into frost, would could have serious consequences. By storing your bike either indoors or undercover helps to reduce the likelihood of this happening.
