Prepare your bike for winter

Arghyrou

Hey, I wondered how everyone on BR preps there bike for the now fast approaching winter months . I understand that many have winter bikes but as I only have one I wondered how to fully prepare it for training and bits, instead of just locking it up in the shed.
(I dont want it getting ruined in the winter)
Ive got tonnes of winter clothes and bought new durable tyres on some old box section classics rims and just wondered what else, im considering crud racer mudguards? or even a mountain bike guard?
All responses would be much appreciated,
Cheers,
A

anto164

For me? Full mudguards and some lights. Everything else stays the same. (It helps that i'm getting a carbon road bike in a ffew weeks which means my now all-year bike becomes my winter bike)

So yeh, give it a service, some decent puncture resistant tyres (Conti Gatorskins for me) and mudguards/lights and you're away. Just make sure you dress for the weather.

geoff93

My winter bike is my old madone, the difference between the new and old are:

25mm Gatorskins which are puncture resistant and add slightly more grip for wet riding.

Cheaper wheels and cassette so I get extra training and it doesnt matter when the bearings need replacing or rim wears down.

Mudgaurds & Lights permanantly on bike.

There isn't too much to worry about though if you look after your bike, all you really need are the mudgaurds and lights.

shouldbeinbed

I'd consider full mudguards an essential rather than MTB type catchers. its amazing how much more uncomfortable you feel with dirty claggy crud flying up at you as well as rain & snow dropping on you. Its also surprising how much gunk your tyres pick up and throw about

If you're riding it in the depths of winter beware of grit and salt. they're a swine for getting into cable runs and causing erratic shifts or braking. it will get into your BB, hubs & pedals and grind them powder, it'll do the same with your brake blocks/ rims or discs/ pads and will speed up the wear and damage to your chain and cassette.

use decent grease to seal access into the moving parts and cable outers & lube your chain

Clean the bike to keep the exposed bits and paintwork salt free -it stains and aids corrosion, Change the grease / lube regularly to clear out the grit that will get embedded in it acting as sandpaper as it works its way through.

dont rely on a single light front and back, particularly if you're riding non urban routes - have light to see by and light to be seen by. Carry more than enough spare batteries for your lights. I've been caught out by (I think) the cold killing some rechargeables faster than others and faster than I could get home.

LeicesterLad

I like this thread, as im worried im going to make a mess of my bike this winter. One question i have, i have mudguard eyes on my bike, is it worth getting a proper set to fit, or should i just go with Crud's? what are the pro's and cons of both? and if im to get a decent screw on set, any recommendations please?

shouldbeinbed

LeicesterLad wrote:

I like this thread, as im worried im going to make a mess of my bike this winter. One question i have, i have mudguard eyes on my bike, is it worth getting a proper set to fit, or should i just go with Crud's? what are the pro's and cons of both? and if im to get a decent screw on set, any recommendations please?

you've answered your own question asking about a proper set, thats what they are, they enclose a greater circumference of tyre, sit closer and more effectively cover the shoulders and sidewall of the tyre meaning you get no spray at all around and over them, they are bolted in place so don't flap about on bumpy roads and high winds spraying what they've lready caught, you can attach a rear light or reflector to them for additional visibility, they don't get in the way of a rear rack if you have one and to me are more aesthetically pleasing as they're a smoother more unobtrusive line on the bike and are less likely to be snapped or bent if (when) you do have an off.

SKS chromoplastic are the ones to go for -

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/?ie=UTF8&keyw ... 9hcyvptx_e

there's threads in Commuting section discussing mudguard pro's and cons if you search and even the likes of Halfords do decent full length sets with full fitting kit for £15-20.

proper mudguards are fit and forget items that you won't regret.

flasher

I prefer the Tortec Reflectors:

http://road.cc/content/review/2716-tort ... -mudguards

cougie

Full mudguards are the best - but they can be a struggle if your frame is close clearance. If its too tight then your guards can clog up with mud on the country lanes. Thats not fun.

So if the bike can handle it - full guards, wider tyres and lights.

I'd also get some 3M reflective tape and decorate the guards liberally with them.

MattC59

I've got the Crud Road Racer guards and they've been fine so far. The only other changes are lights an wet lube instead of wax lube.

When it comes the time to put new cables on, I shall go for the Gore sealed cables. I've got them on my MTBs and they're fantastic !! Fit and forget, perfect shifting in even the filthyest offroad conditions. They shouldn't have any problems with any crap from the road. They're a bit pricey, but I've had a few years of faultless shifting from then, so money well spent in my book !

These reflectors are pretty good as well, especially if you want to swap them from your commuter to training clothes. I clip a pair on the rear pockets of my jersey / jacket.
http://www.alwaysriding.co.uk/twonfro-claq-pink-white-334.html

Arghyrou

Thanks a lot for all the responses guys, Ill be getting full length mudguards soon, Ive got all the clothes and I am in the process of saving for some good lights, thanks again.
A

keef66

I specifically chose a bike that would take full guards, and I've got fairly good lights.

If I can be bothered prior to the onset of the dodgy weather I'll clean and repack the hub bearings with grease, and drizzle a bit of oil into the back of the freehub. I've already checked the headset cartridge bearings and put them back in with a dollop of grease. I'll also clean and regrease the seatpost to help prevent the ingress of water. And when the weather gets really mucky I'll be switching back to Finish Line Wet lube on the chain (currently trying to use up a range of wax-based summer lubes)

I must get some waterproof shoe covers this year.

Nuggs

As others have said, full mudguards are a must. If your bike has the fittings for them, I'd highly recommend SKS Chromoplastic guards.

Aside from that, wider tyres with good puncture protection (I use Conti 4 Seasons) are a good addition.

The most important thing to do, however you set your bike up, is to keep on top of regular maintenance chores. Road salt kills components. Even if road salt isn't used, the gunk that you can pick up from wet roads can stop mechanical parts moving smoothly. Regular washing and oiling is essential.

Barrzy257

I have a Ribble Sportive Bianco, can I fit mud guards to this as there are no eyes and the clearance is minimal!
May just spend £300-400 and get a cheap winter/commuter...any suggestions?!

centimani

Preparation for winter ? Mudguards, preferably full, and clean and lube your brake /gear cables, they take a lot of abuse in winter. i always have stainless cables if i can, definately not galvanised ones, they corrode like the clappers as they get older.

Keeping a bike clean and well serviced during winter riding's much more important IMO.

MattC59

Barrzy257 wrote:

I have a Ribble Sportive Bianco, can I fit mud guards to this as there are no eyes and the clearance is minimal!
May just spend £300-400 and get a cheap winter/commuter...any suggestions?!

Crud Road Race guards

ratsbeyfus

Some blokes in my club put insulation tape around the top of the seat tube where it's split below the seat clamp to help prevent water getting in there.

Arghyrou

Its been a whole day, but I've re-greased everything from the headset to the bottom bracket ready for winter.... So tired but very pleased!
Ive insulation taped up the seat clamp and some of the exposed areas, just waiting for mudguards and all will be well....
Thanks for all the suggestions, lots of bits on the way!
A

Mr Will

I know it's been raining but FFS Guys, it's still August, lets leave winter prep for a few more months.

rozzer32

Please come back and ask this question when it is actually winter

Arghyrou

In fairness, looking at the forecast... looks like winters already started....

Chad_c_Mulligan

Putting the front mudguard on although I might need to make a few changes, it's a full guard but I was chatting to someone who'd riveted extra material from a fairy liquid bottle on which really stopped any spray.It seems an interesting idea and I've seen it done with the rear on audaxes by very polite riders who want to keep the people behind them really dry.

The main thing is the temptation to buy a dynamo hub and some perma-fixed halogen lights to go with by battery based setup.

G.Zero

Here in sussex its still 17-20c little windy and rainy but not nearly cold enough to think of winter yet I wouldn't say enjoy it while its still warm