Winter is on it’s way, and with it comes the annual challenge of gearing up for a ride. It’s dark, it’s cold, and layering up feels like a battle against a winter apocalypse. The struggle is real. But unless you’re sticking to indoor training or chasing the sun, there’s no way around it. Despite the bone-chilling temperatures, relentless headwinds, and typically miserable British weather, winter cycling can offer a surprising sense of peace and accomplishment. That said, no matter what bike you ride, a little winter maintenance goes a long way in keeping both you and your bike happy. In this article, we’ve gathered essential tips to help your bike survive the winter and make it to spring in good shape (fingers crossed!).

Light It Up

A good set of USB-rechargeable, water-resistant lights is essential for winter riding. Equip yourself with a red rear light and a white front light to ensure visibility in low-light conditions. Bright, powerful lights will keep you confidently pedaling through the darkest days.

Mudguards Matter

If you haven’t installed mudguards yet, you’re missing out! While they may not win any style points or aerodynamic awards, mudguards make wet rides far more comfortable. They keep your kit—and especially your backside—clean, dry, and warm by blocking splashback from your tires. Mudguards also protect your bike from road debris like water, grit and mud, which can infiltrate moving parts and cables. When fitting them, make sure they don’t rub against the frame and apply a layer of frame protection such as PPF or RideWrap at the mounting points to prevent grit from wearing down the paint.

Upgrade Your Tyres

Winter riding means more road debris and wet conditions, which increases the risk of punctures. Consider swapping out your lightweight summer tyres for wider, puncture-resistant ones. Going up a size—like 28mm, if your frame allows—can improve traction and reduce flats. If your bike is tubeless-compatible, now’s the time to switch! If you’re not quite ready, bring along a spare inner tube and some tubeless repair plugs, just in case.

Check Your Bearings

In the UK, rainy days are practically a certainty. Our roads showcase a mix of mud, salt, and rain that can cause trouble for your bike if left unchecked. To prevent issues, start by inspecting your bearings. Ensure they’re well-greased and move smoothly (no rough sensations, please). Pay attention to critical areas like the headset bearings and bottom bracket. Fortunately, you don’t need to disassemble anything—usually, worn-out bearings manifest as audible grinding or creaking noises. If you notice these signs, it’s time for a replacement or a fresh round of grease.

Keep It Clean

Winter riding may not always be fun, but keeping your bike clean is crucial for performance. After every wet ride, at least clean the drivetrain. Use a degreaser to remove grime and ensure road grit is washed away. Here’s a quick cleaning routine:

-Blast off the worst dirt with a hose.

-Degrease the chain—an old kitchen brush works wonders.

-Wash the bike with a microfibre mitt and hot water.

-Rinse with the hose.

-Dry.

-Lubricate.

-Apply bike spray.

Done!

Lubricate!

Winter means rain and salty roads, so why not opt for a chain lubricant designed to handle these harsh conditions? Wet lubes are your best bet—they last longer than dry ones and resist being washed away by rain, helping your drivetrain stay resilient between cleanings.

Apply Post-Wash Bike Spray

After every wash, give your bike a spray with a water-dispersing frame treatment. It not only repels moisture but also leaves a streak-free finish that mud doesn’t stick to. There are plenty of options available, but I personally recommend UK-based Juice Lubes—they work well and smell great! Just remember to cover your brake callipers when applying any lubricant. An old T-shirt works perfectly for this, but avoid oily rags for obvious reasons.

Saddlebag Essentials

Whatever the season, never ride without the essentials in your saddlebag. Trust me, it’s not worth the risk! I once rode with a certain Welsh Grand Tour winner (name withheld!), who punctured just 2 km from home. To my disbelief, he didn’t have a spare tube or pump. He had to ‘rim it’ the last 2 km home—1 km of which was up a 12% gradient! Make sure you’re better prepared—check out our article on saddlebag essentials for a detailed list.

Road essentials:

-2x inner tubes

-Micro multi tool

-Co2 pump and 2x canisters

-2x plastic tyre levers

-Nitrite gloves- stops the white bar tape getting dirty and keeps hands clean

-ICE details on laminated paper

-£20.00 note

MTB & Gravel essentials:

-Spare tube

-Multi tool

-Dyna plug

-Co2 pump & 2x large canisters

-Metal tyre levers

-Chain link

-ICE details on laminated paper

-£20.00 note

-Mars bar/energy bar

Stay Off the Roads

Let’s face it—sometimes braving the roads in bad conditions just isn’t worth it. Have you thought about indoor training? I’ll admit, I was a bit sceptical at first, but honestly, it’s fantastic. Sure, it’s not quite the same as tackling a 4-hour winter adventure, and yes, you’ll still get drenched in sweat (even with the best fans). But you’ll stay warm, your bike will stay clean, and most importantly, you’ll be much safer. Why not give it a try?