Winter Survival

This topic is covered a lot in the cycling community and you’ll find hundreds of articles and videos giving you advice on the best approach to winter riding. Choose what advice suits you best and what you’ll most likely follow. Here are some of my ideas that I believe have the best outcome.

1. Get your bike serviced

Now, I understand this has the potential to be expensive which is why a lot of riders choose to have a second bike for winter riding but I can’t stress this enough. If your bike is serviced and everything has been checked for wear and parts have been replaced if necessary, then you shouldn’t have anything to worry about. You can ride worry free knowing your trusty steed is solid. Spending the money now will prevent problems down the line. At the very least checking wear on your tyres and brake pads will ensure you are safe when out riding.

2. Cleaning your bike

It doesn’t have to take you long but cleaning your bike after every wet ride is essential for keeping the bike running smoothly throughout the winter. Even with a service it will keep parts free from wear and give you a chance to check if there are any problems. A quick hose down and scrub of the drivetrain will be enough to give you an enjoyable ride next time you go out. A good example is Francis Cade’s 5 minute bike wash:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YS43X0LV-Lo&ab_channel=FrancisCade.

One thing to pay particular attention to is using a water displacer to lubricate pivot points and your chain. I use GT85 as it’s cheap and damn good. It’s great at cleaning your frame as well.

A quick and simple thing you can do when cleaning your bike is regularly checking your brake pads and tyres for wear and damage. Rim brake pads will pick up tiny pieces of metal from your rims and it’s important to flick these out with a small screwdriver or pick to prevent wear on your rims. For disc brake pads, remove them and wipe them down with some alcohol spray. You might as well wipe your discs as well while you’re at it. This keeps your brakes working effectively when you need them the most. Additionally it will prevent your brakes producing an awful ear bursting squeal.

3. Tyres

Tyres are obviously an essential part of the bike no matter the time of year, however in winter it’s particularly important to maintain their ability to keep you safe. I tend to ride the same tyres all year round. This is because I’m not too fussed about weight and like the added grip they give me. I use Pirelli Cinturato Velos and have found them to be great for all round riding. They have excellent grip and puncture protection while also being long lasting.

Checking for wear regularly will give you the confidence when descending and cornering in wet conditions. They are one investment I wouldn’t skimp on.

4. Mudguards

@ajh_cycling

For keeping your bum dry mud guards can be a great option. Personally I’ve always found them annoying especially as I clean my bike after a wet ride. But they do wonders in keeping your bum and feet dry. They also do a pretty good job of limiting muck being sprayed all over your bike and your brakes. I’d recommend getting some that can be easily removed and that keep you and others mud free. If you’re like me and prefer not to use them then I would at least recommend using an AssSaver to keep your bum dry.

There lots more I could say about certain equipment choices and methods for keeping you riding in winter, so if you have any questions feel free to contact me and I'll be happy to discuss.

For bike service enquires contact me on 07761407900 or visit my workshop page at cycleoath.co.uk/workshop for more details.

Enjoy the ride

3 days in Wales

Wales was one of those trips where you say “I can’t believe I didn’t do this earlier'“. Living so close I wish I had. The weather held up considering the area of the country and the scenery didn’t disappoint. I have previously travelled to most of the places I rode through but with family, so it was de ja vu all over the place.

I had packed my full waterproofs. All the way from my waterproof socks to washing up gloves and shower caps (they are super light and do the job well haha). The only thing I wasn’t prepared for was the winter cold nights. I had packed my emergency race bivy, sleeping bag liner and insulated jacket. The second night I couldn’t have been happier when my alarm went off at 5am. Luckily the days were warm and the last day was blissful.

Day one we rode up into the Brecon Beacons along Llyn Brianne. We climbed the Devil’s staircase and 25% finally reached 0 again. Being my mate’s first bike packing trip the climbing had been quite substantial and after arriving in the Elan Village, a burger and pint was well needed.

We started day 2 riding through the Elan Village for sunrise. Something that was well worth the cold night. It wasn’t until Bala that I realised I hadn’t found the hardest climb yet. The Bwlch y Groes was one tough cookie. I admit I walked, but I felt it was even too hard to do that.

There was only one climb I knew I wanted to do. It was kind of hard to find but rewarding nonetheless less. The climb took you up to Llyn Stwlan, another reservoir. Not a long climb in particular but plenty of switch backs and a nice view.

Day three started with another cold sunrise but it was the start of a fantastic last day. Riding up to Pen y Pass just was breath taking at that time of the morning. Plenty of people about though. And to think I was gonna skip this part.

Once I had reached the summit my mind switched focus to the coast and the rest of day was spend riding along headlands and dipping into busy tourist towns. The ride ended in Borth and the sun was out, so as all rides should finish, a swim in the sea.