As the last embers of summer die down and daylight hours grow ever shorter and colder, the roads are covered with a layer of crud that is hard on your bike's components. So, how do you get your bike autumn-ready? Follow our guide to discover how best to prepare your bike to combat the effects of autumn/winter.
The onset of winter doesn't necessarily mean you or your bike should go into hibernation. Far from it. If you take the appropriate steps, winter cycling offers many unique and exciting possibilities. And when spring rolls around once more, you can greet the spring sunshine in the shape of your life and ready to rack up the miles.
There's no secret formula to cycling success in winter. As well as adding the headline items of mudguards and puncture-proof tyres, it's just as important to keep tabs on the little things, like cable wear. Here then, are the top recommendations to get your bike autumn-ready.
1. Fit some mudguards
It's essential to be as comfortable as possible when tapping out the miles. Mudguards may not be cool in some quarters, but they do an admirable job of keeping you and your bike cleaner and drier. They also prevent premature wear of the bike's components, consequently extending their lifespan - what's not to like?
Many cycling clubs won't let you ride without mudguards during winter. Turn up for a club ride without mudguards, and even if they let you ride, you're liable to be relegated to the unenviable position of tail-end charlie. Fitting a set of full coverage guards protects your fellow riders from a faceful of road spray.
The Hybrid ALe Trail is an ultra-versatile electric hybrid for urban environments and comes complete with mudguards and integrated lights.
2. Light the way
Even if you don't intend to ride in the dark, the decreasing hours of daylight make it more likely that you may just find yourself caught out. Mounting a set of lights on your bike throughout the winter months is a sensible precaution.
Generally speaking, there are two types of bike lights - those to be seen and those to see by. The former is probably all you will ever need if your rides are mainly on well-lit streets. However, if your daily commutes include backcountry lanes or poorly lit streets, a high-powered front lamp of at least 800 Lumens output is your best option.
A mistake many cycle commuters make is having only one set of lights on their bike. But what happens if one fails or you forget to charge it? Always aim to have one main set of lights plus a backup...just in case. The second set needn't be fancy, just something to help you safely reach your destination.
The Urban AL e showcases the fully integrated head and tail lights that announce your presence night or day.
3. Swap to puncture-resistant tyres
The tyres, not you! In the autumn/winter, roads and trails often become slippery, with leaves, drain covers and painted lines all becoming potential slip hazards. When you can't avoid them, try steering straight and staying off the brakes. There's also an increased risk of puncture, courtesy of the debris washed onto the road or trail.
Swapping out the tyres for a wider, grippier and more puncture-resistant option is the best solution. Though this type of tyre may be a little slower, the extra grip and protection they afford is a price worth paying. After all, who wants to be stood by the roadside in the dark, checking a tyre with frozen, fumbling fingers? Treat yourself to some extra grip, comfort and peace of mind.
If you really want to reduce the chance of flats, why not go tubeless? Setting up tubeless compatible tyres with a squirt of sealant inside will seal most punctures before you even know you have one.
Schwalbe Marathon tyres (like those pictured on this CGR AL) have established a reputation for being exceptionally puncture-resistant and highly visible, thanks to their reflective sidewalls.
4**. Bigger is Better**
If you opt for wider tyres, ensure the bike can accommodate them beforehand. A tyre that rubs can cause damage to the frame or cause debris to become lodged between the tyre and frame/mudguard.
Almost every bike in the Ribble line-up features built-in mounts that allow you to fit full-coverage mudguards. Doing so, however, will reduce the tyre clearance available. For instance, the Ribble Endurance range of road-optimised bikes has ample clearance for 28mm tyres (rim) and 32mm (disc). But fit a set of mudguards, and this drops to 25mm.
On the other hand, the CGR and Gravel range offers compatibility with 45-47mm tyres or 40mm with mudguards fitted. Should you need further clarification of what tyre size each bike can accommodate, help is at hand. Check out the FAQ section at the foot of each main bike page or contact us for guidance.
Large-volume tyres like those featured on this CGR SL add comfort as well as enhanced grip on slick surfaces.
5. Keep it clean
Damp weather and road grime are a poor combination for any bike's working parts. Keeping on top of bike maintenance is essential to its continued efficiency. Giving the bike a quick rinse down after every wet ride is always recommended. A good wash down with soapy water, rinse off, and a quick dab of lube will keep it ticking over nicely.
Bike cleaners are a great way to clean your bike with little mess. Simply spray onto a frame like the Endurance SL R pictured here, leave for 30 seconds and wipe off.
6. Smooth is best
The drivetrain suffers more in winter, whether from rain, road salt or a mixture of both. Expect it to become clogged with gunk and dry out quicker too. Make sure you clean the chain and apply lube more frequently. Using a dedicated chain cleaner like that pictured below simplifies the process. Thus, ensuring your drivetrain works far more efficiently for a smoother, slicker shifting ride.
Top Tip: When lubing the chain, pick the right lube for the conditions. Wax-based or dry lubes are great in summer but attract dirt and debris in wet conditions. A good quality wet lube is water-resistant and won't get washed off when riding through puddles or standing water.
7. Check the cables
Few people fully appreciate how far water and dirt can penetrate during wet, muddy rides. The occasional squirt of lube down the cables will keep them moving freely and improve your ability to shift or stop.
Sharing's Caring
We hope you have found our how to get your bike autumn-ready guide useful and feel a little more motivated to keep riding through the winter. And remember winter miles= summer smiles! Got a handy winter tip of your own? Let us and your fellow readers know in the comments section below.
Ex-cyclocross star and road racing pro, Helen Wyman describes her trip across the Alps on her CGR AL e whilst towing her son in a child trailer. Read about her adventure here.
Learn all you need to know about the MAHLE SmartBike Systems companion app for Ribble e-bikes here.