How To Winterise Your Bicycle

Winter might make cycling a challenge, but the colder season doesn’t mean you have to lock your bike away in the shed til April. 

With the right prep, your bike can handle the rain, easily deal with slippery road surfaces, and safely navigate the cold temperatures that come with UK winters. 

From tyre maintenance to visibility upgrades, here’s your essential guide to winterising your bicycle for safe bike rides over the colder months.

Clean your bike completely (and regularly)

The UK’s roads in winter are a force to be reckoned with, especially if you live rurally. From mud and grit to salt, which can erode paintwork, your bike is likely to be filthy after a ride in the winter. 

Make an effort to give your bike a wash with warm water and a bike-specific cleaner every few weeks (or when you notice the grim building up) to help preserve the paintwork. Focus on the wheel rims and brakes, and use a soft brush to dislodge dirt, drying thoroughly when rinsed.

Invest in a heavy-duty chain lubricant

Do your research and purchase a lubricant designed to withstand salt and moisture. Applying this to a clean, dry chain is ideal to protect it from corrosion and help your ride feel smoother.

Consider switching to winter tyres

If you use your bike to commute or regularly ride for leisure in the winter, you’ll need reliable tyres that can handle high use when it’s cold. As such, dedicated winter bike tyres are essential. 

Usually, winter bike tyres are wider with greater grip and deeper tread patterns to prevent skidding. They also often feature puncture protection, a helpful feature when cycling along roads covered in grit and debris. 

If you’re not up for a complete tyre switch, then consider running your tyres at a slightly lower pressure (not too low, mind) to increase contact with the road for more grip. Remember that, in cold weather, your tyre pressure will be slightly lower anyway.

Fit mudguards (or upgrade flimsy ones)

Nothing’s worse than changing out of muddy clothes post-ride. In winter, mud and water from pothole puddles can flick up from your wheels and soak your clothing. Fitting robust mudguards is a surefire way to reduce splashback, while also protecting your bike’s drivetrain and brakes, too, extending their lifespan. 

Tip: If your bike doesn’t have mounts for mudguards, you can still purchase clip-on ones.

Make sure your brakes are working well

Wet, cold weather can wreak havoc on your brakes, but as road surfaces are slippier it’s crucial to be able to stop suddenly and safely. If you have rim brakes, check your brake pads regularly, looking out for uneven wear, embedded grit, or hardening. 

If in doubt, replace them, or get in touch with a Kwik Fit Fettle expert who can do it for you.

Upgrade your visibility

Winter means shorter days and longer dark hours. If you commute, you’ll know all too well that bike lights and high vis clothing are a must. If you’re planning to cycle in the winter, invest in some reliable, rechargeable front and back bike lights to make sure other road users can see you when visibility is low. 

Getting high-vis clothing and adding reflector stickers to your pedals and wheels is also a good precaution, in case your lights stop working or become damaged while cycling.

Add contact-point comfort

Cycling without gloves is uncomfortable at the best of times, but it’s especially harrowing in winter. 

If you’re planning to cycle beyond September, make sure you’re kitted out for comfort and warmth. Cold weather can make your saddle less forgiving, and your grips feel tougher, so consider purchasing some reinforcements. Grips and winter-specific cycling gloves are key to keeping your hands comfortable, while saddle protectors can ensure your seat stays dry when you’re not cycling.

Store your bike properly

If you’re only planning on using your bike occasionally (when you’re mentally prepared to brave the cold), it will need to be stored properly to avoid rust and exposure to the elements. 

Cold, damp sheds and garages are breeding grounds for rust (and cobwebs). So, opt for a bike rack to keep your tyres off of cold concrete for long periods of time, or use a bike cover if you have to store your bike outdoors. A light coating of anti-corrosion spray to metal parts can also work wonders. 

For riders with e-bikes, cold weather can reduce battery performance, so consider storing your battery inside.

Schedule a winter check-up

If you’re not a bike whiz and don’t feel confident checking over your bicycle yourself, bring it to your nearest Kwik Fit Fettle centre for a free bike check. We’ve partnered with the Fettle experts to bring first-class bicycle services to locations across the country. So, before the cold weather sets in, make sure your bike is checked by the pros. 

Opt for a full-scale bike MOT to cover all bases (from chain lubrication to adjusting gears, brakes, and handlebars) or get help with a specific maintenance task, like puncture repair or removing and cleaning the brake calipers.

Year-round bike support from Fettle

Whether you own a mountain bike or an e-bike, access professional, affordable maintenance and servicing with Kwik Fit and Fettle. 

Find your nearest Kwik Fit Fettle location, and book in for a check-up at any time of year for peace of mind that your wheels are in good working order.