Cycling guide: How do I best prepare my bike for winter?

class=”sc-29f61514-0 dXbCZE”>

I also like cycling in winter. What should I pay attention to to best prepare my bike for the dark and cold season?
A.Gerber, Rikon ZH

There are good reasons to ride a bike or e-bike in winter, too. This includes fitness, which can be maintained even in winter. But it is also true that you are exposed to fewer germs on a bike than indoors and on public transport. But cold, road conditions and darkness increase the demands on bicycles and cyclists.

Tires and lights

To prepare for winter, it is useful to take a look at your tires. Tires with good tread and reflective strips are recommended. Provides better grip and increases visibility on wet or icy roads. Or even studded tires that can be used to drive on all slippery surfaces without worry. Slightly under-inflated tires provide additional grip but increase rolling resistance.

Lighting of the bike is very important. Reflectors are required front, rear and pedals, as well as non-blinking lights front and rear. You can further increase visibility with additional (strobe) lights and reflective clothing on your helmet or bike. It is also possible to turn on the daytime running lights without any problems with the low-resistance hub dynamo.

Maintenance and storage

Road salt, moisture and dirt are particularly damaging to bicycles. Therefore, the brakes, gears and chain, including the transmission, need to be cleaned and maintained regularly. Especially in winter, the chain needs to be lubricated regularly. It’s worth letting bikes stay indoors in the winter; especially electric bikes and their batteries, because they discharge and wear out more quickly in cold weather.

If the bike is parked outside on a winter night, it should be in medium gear and positioned with the lock opening facing downwards. Because freezing humidity can disable and lock shifting. We also recommend seeking service at a specialist shop; You now have more time there than in the summer.

This article was created with the support of Velosuisse. More tips for cycling in winter can be found at pro-velo.ch.

Source: Blick