It’s February and winter is going to stick around for another month. So, if you haven’t already, now is the time to make sure your bike is up to the task of riding through whatever the British winter will throw at it. Of course, if it’s too cold and the risk of ice is high, then the turbo trainer might be a safer bet. But there are a few things you can do to your bike to make sure it lasts through many more winters to come. Let’s take a look at a few.
Mudguards are becoming a condition of riding in winter for many road cycling clubs and with good reason. Not only do they protect your back (and parts of your bike frame) from crud that gets splashed up from the road, but they can also help keep your riding buddies dry if they ride behind you.
There are a few options when it comes to mudguards, but it’s easiest if your bike has eyelet mounts for mudguards pre-drilled. Our Plug + Play Fender Set can be used on tyres up to 30mm in width and is compatible with 700c wheels. They’re of an aluminium construction so they’re hard wearing but also lightweight. If you have one of our Turbo Como electric bikes, the Turbo Como Fender Set is specifically measured for your bike and can be used with tyres up to 2.3” wide.
{:14727, 5235, 5240}
The best way to make sure your bike makes it through winter is by servicing it regularly. Keeping on top of your bike maintenance means you’ll be able to catch problems early, before they become bigger and more expensive issues. It’s a good idea to learn some basic bike maintenance at home, and carry a multitool with you on rides in case of a mechanical out on the road or trail.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with paying someone else to do the more tricky jobs like cable or bearing replacement. Our Concept Stores offer servicing in-store from our fully trained mechanics who can help you keep your bike running smoothly through winter.
{:14303, 14302, 151511}
With so many options for bicycle lighting now, there’s no reason you shouldn’t be able to find a good set of lights for a decent price. Gone are the days of needing to replace the batteries when they run out, instead, most bike lights are now USB rechargeable and can last over several hours on a steady beam. At Specialized, we have a wide array of lights to suit your needs.
If you’re planning on riding some night time trails, then something like the Flux 1250 Headlight is ideal. It provides 1250 lumens so you can see your way on even the darkest of nights. It also comes with different mounting attachments so you can mount it to your helmet or your bars.
For the more urban rider that doesn’t need quite so bright of a light, the Flash Pack Headlight/Taillight Combo is perfect for times when you need to be seen on the road. The Flash 300 Headlight can provide up to 300 lumens, while the rear light is bright enough to be seen by other road users.
{:163673, 228620, 163674}
Just like on cars, there are precautions you can take in winter with your tyres. You don’t necessarily need to go full on snow-stud but having something with a different tread pattern more suited to winter will go a long way. It may also be worth considering changing to a wider tyre if your forks have the clearance so you can run lower tyre pressures. This will help you to have a little bit more grip, which will help if there’s lots of debris on the road like slush and salt.
While technically a cyclocross tyre, the Tracer Pro 2Bliss Ready could be the ultimate winter road tyre if your bike is compatible. It’s available in two sizes, 700 x 42 and 700 x 47, so they’re nice and wide allowing you to run lower pressures and tackle whatever the British winter throws at you on the road.
{:103083, 17463, 6314}
…
Want to get your bike winter ready but not sure where to start? Head to your local Specialized Concept Store where our team of friendly staff can help you. Find your local store here.
