Bikes
Riding bicycles in winter generally means that you’ll be cruising through some mud and water. Mountain bikes are especially prone to this. Off road is messier than riding on a paved surface.
It’s a safe bet that most mountain bike riders have been through a puddle or two. It’s also a pretty safe bet that getting the dirt and grime off your ride hasn’t happened as regularly as it should. We’re deep into winter and the recent weather proves it. If you’ve been out riding, on or off trail, you’ve got some maintenance to do.
Here are some things to do, on a regular basis, during the winter, rains and mud:
- wash your bike after you ride: use your garden hose, get the big chunks off.
- stay away from the high pressure hoses: forcing water into your bottom bracket, or any other sealed portion of your bike will cause problems, either with rust or fine grained grit being forced in.
- after you hose your bike down, dry it off with a soft cloth.
- pay special attention to your chain, chain rings, and derailleur gears.
- oil your chain, after you hose it down, same with the gears.
- pull your seat post out, clean it, lightly oil it.
- check your brakes, adjust them if it takes too much pull to engage them.
This isn’t an exhaustive list, but it will keep your bike in pretty good shape during the wet and muck of winter rides. It may just prevent more expensive problems from popping up as well. Check with your local bike shop about the different types of chain lubes and cleaners that are on the market.
Have a great time riding this winter.