More and more cyclists are falling in love with winter riding
The weather is turning cooler, and not only people need to warm up—but so does your beloved bike. Knowing how to ride is not enough; you also need to know how to maintain your bike
With late autumn here and early winter approaching, merely taking care of yourself is not sufficient when it comes to your bike. For cyclists, the bicycle is their weapon. Riding in autumn and winter without properly caring for your bike can easily lead to problems.
In winter, people need to warm up—and bikes need it even more
Huang, a master technician specializing in bicycle repairs at Changsha Shunshizhen Club, told reporters: “Most riders are usually mindful of warming up themselves before cycling, but they often overlook the fact that bikes, just like humans, also need to warm up.”
Huang explained: “At low temperatures, the grease inside the bearings and the oil in the fork become solid. Therefore, when we start riding, it takes about ten kilometers to dissolve and wear down this solidified grease. This means that during the initial part of the ride, we shouldn’t push hard—instead, ride at a normal speed with a slightly higher cadence to warm up the bike as quickly as possible, in order to avoid damaging the bearings and ball bearings due to uneven lubrication.”
Tire pressure should not be too high, and the bike body should be kept clean
“In cold weather, tire pressure should not be too high. When it’s cold, rubber hardens, and if the tire pressure is too high, it can easily lead to a blowout. Additionally, the lower the temperature, the less friction there is between the ground and the tires, making it easier to skid and fall if the tire pressure is too high. Not to mention what could happen if you encounter ice,” Huang added: “During winter rides, mud mixed with water sticks to the bike and can harden when cold—especially around the upper tube of the fork, which must be carefully cleaned to prevent unnecessary scratches on the frame during suspension movement. You have to love your bike like you love your wife, and then your bike will love you back.”