Winter has rolled around again, and with it the familiar routine of pulling on endless layers, fumbling for lights and trying to convince yourself that riding in the dark is character-building. The British winter doesn’t make cycling easy, between the cold, the drizzle and the general greyness, you’re doing well to even get outside. But once you’re actually out and turning the pedals, winter riding can be surprisingly rewarding.
A bit of preparation goes a long way, especially when it comes to looking after your bike.
Below are the key bits of winter maintenance that will keep your bike running smoothly until we finally see some sunshine. Keep the faith!
Keep the chain happy
Rain, road grime and salt are all in full force at this time of year, so choosing the right chain lube really matters. A wet-weather lubricant clings to your chain far better than a dry one and won’t vanish the moment you hit a puddle. If your rides are regularly damp (and let’s face it, they probably are), give your drivetrain a quick clean and re-oil after each outing. It takes minutes and pays off massively in reduced wear.
Protect the frame after every wash
Once you’ve rinsed your bike down, a mist of frame-protectant spray will help water bead off and stop grime sticking so easily. Juice Lubes and other UK brands make excellent all-weather sprays that leave a clean finish and add a bit of protection.
Just remember to shield your brake calipers from any overspray-old cotton T-shirts are ideal for this job.
Fit mudguards
Mudguards might not win any style awards, but in winter they’re almost unbeatable for comfort., especially if you’re out for more than 2 hours.
Mudguards keep the worst of the spray off you and stop grit and dirty water being flung at your frame and moving parts. That means warmer rides and theoretically, fewer mechanical issues.
When fitting them, make sure they’re not rubbing anywhere, and add a small patch of frame protection tape where the mounts touch your forks or stays to prevent long-term scuffing.
Winter tyres make a big difference
Cold, wet roads bring more punctures, so consider ditching the fast summer tyres for something wider and tougher. Many riders move up to 28mm (if their frame allows) for better grip, comfort and puncture resistance.
If your wheels can run tubeless, winter is the perfect time to switch-sealant handles small punctures brilliantly and can save a lot of roadside faff. If you do consider tubeless, just make sure you have a kit to help you plug up any holes that are too big for the sealant to fix.
Check your bearings
UK winter roads are a mixture of water, grit and salt, so it’s worth giving your bearings a quick once-over. You don’t need to strip anything down: any grinding, creaking or roughness is a warning sign. Pay attention to the headset and bottom bracket in particular.
If something feels off, get it checked, greased or replaced before it becomes a bigger issue.
Light the way
Good lights are non-negotiable in winter. A bright, USB-rechargeable front light and a reliable rear light will keep you visible on the roads.
If you want to mix things up, night riding can be brilliant-quiet trails, different scenery and a great sense of adventure. Stick to routes you know, take a bar-mounted light plus a helmet light, and avoid going solo if possible.
Clean your bike frequently
Your drivetrain works twice as hard in winter, so a quick clean after wet rides makes a huge difference. You don’t need to strip it down every time, just follow this easy routine:
- Rinse off heavy mud (avoid pressure washers on bearings or e-bike motors)
- Degrease your chain
- Wash the frame and wheels with a microfibre cloth or soft mitt
- Rinse and dry
- Re-lube the chain
- Add a little frame spray
Five to ten minutes, tops.
Pack the essentials
Winter isn’t the time to gamble on luck. Keep the basics with you at all times and you’ll be grateful when something goes wrong. Even the pros get caught out; I’ve ridden with more than one seasoned racer who somehow forgot tubes or a pump…
- Two inner tubes
- Small multi tool
- Chain Quick Link
- CO₂ pump + two canisters
- Tubeless plug
- Plastic tyre levers
- Nitrile gloves
- ICE details
- A £20 note
- Emergency snack (Mars bar, bar of choice, etc.)
Know when to stay indoors
Sometimes the weather truly is foul, and forcing yourself out isn’t worth it. Indoor training has come a long way-smart trainers and apps make indoor sessions surprisingly fun (and sweaty). Your bike stays clean, you stay warm, and the risk from icy roads is zero.
Ride safe this winter
However you choose to ride through the cold months, a little preparation keeps you safer, more comfortable and more confident. Pedal Cover bicycle insurance includes accidental damage and crash cover as standard-ideal for rough winter conditions. If you need any help choosing the right cover, our friendly team is always happy to chat on 0800 121 4424.
Title image credit-Markus Stitz
