Protecting Your Bicycle in Winter: Tips and Advice

Now that the cold weather is here to stay, many cycling enthusiasts decide to park their bikes. The Christmas vacations are also often a reason to postpone cycling trips. However, once the holidays are over, it's time to get back to the routine, but first we need to get our bikes ready. And it is key to make sure they are ready to face the challenging conditions of the season. In this article we bring you tips and tricks to prepare and protect your bike to get you through the winter without worries.

Take care of the fundamental components

Cold and wet weather can affect some of your bike's most important components. To protect your bike from inclement weather, some measures you can take to avoid this are, for example, applying waterproof lubricant to your chains and bearings. Avoiding humidity will also prevent other problems such as disc brake noise, which is one of the main causes.

Protect your bike: use the right tires

This choice is essential. In cold temperatures, tires can harden and decrease their grip. In this regard, the ideal is to opt for tires that ensure greater grip. Reducing tire pressure to improve traction on slippery surfaces can also be a good idea.

In any case, for MTB, our recommendation is to use always a anti-puncture and anti-chip protectoras our Tannus Armour or, if you prefer to go tubeless, you can use our tubeless insert PRO. With it you will be able to ride safely even in the most difficult terrain. 

If you are more of a gravel or urban rider, our recommendation will always be to use our Tannus TiresThis saves you maintenance!

Take effective lighting with you

Remember that days are shorter in winter, so good lighting is crucial. Headlights and taillights will increase your visibility. Also, whenever possible, it's a good idea to carry spare lights and/or make sure your batteries are charged. You will protect your bike and, most importantly, you will protect yourself.

Beware of dirt

In these dates it is normal to find muddy terrain, so to protect the bike, it is always advisable to clean it after each outing, thus avoiding damage to its parts. In addition, whenever you have the possibility, we recommend keeping it indoors. Keep in mind that humidity can rust its parts, as well as negatively affect braking and gear shifting. 

Think about whether you should use extra protection. 

If added weight is not a problem for you, to protect your bike, you can consider using mudguards and frame guards. Depending on the type of bike you have and your priorities, you may want to consider clip-on, removable or bolt-on fenders. These will ensure that you keep your feet, back and legs dry. In addition, you'll reduce chain dirt. 

Regular maintenance is essential

During the winter, even if you don't go out as often, maintenance becomes essential, especially if you want to avoid major problems in the future. Just think that it won't take you more than half an hour and, with just a few steps, you will keep your bike in good condition for a long time. To perform this maintenance you must remember:

• Check the condition of the brakes
• Check that the gears are correctly adjusted.
• Make sure that the components have been thoroughly cleaned after each outing.

Proper maintenance will ensure the optimal performance of your bike, and you will be grateful for a long time!

With these simple tips, you can protect your bike and keep it always ready, and you can enjoy the beauty of every ride even in the coldest months.