Cytech is the internationally recognised training and accreditation scheme for bicycle technicians, delivering training and promotion of technical skills to the cycle trade and enthusiasts worldwide. 

Some words of wisdom from the experts for those putting in hours in the saddle over the holiday period. Pay attention!

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Many riders continue to get the miles in over the festive break, especially those taking part in cycling challenges such as the Rapha Festive 500. Regular checks (and cleaning!) are a must throughout the year, but even more so over the winter months.

Winter takes its toll on your bike if not looked after properly. Dirt, grit, salt, even snow, all conspire to spoil your winter riding.

Regular ‘preventative’ maintenance during the wet months will help keep your bike running smoothly throughout, so here at Cytech we’re pointing out a few things to keep on top of.

Wheels

It’s important to regularly clean the rims of your wheels and inspect for any damage that may occur due to potholes, for example. For bikes with rim brakes, you should also inspect the wear and tear on the braking surface (as well as the brake pads themselves) which are subject to heavier wear rates during the winter months. Most modern rims have some form of wear indicator—if this is no longer visible, it is time to consider replacement to avoid a catastrophic failure of the rim.

failed rim
Fail… do not let this happen to your rims

 

Also check the condition of your tyres. They should be inspected for cuts, cracks and splits in the tread or sidewall, as well as debris stuck in the tyre that may cause the tyre to fail prematurely and lead to a puncture. Replacing the tyre (if necessary) at home is much easier than out on the road or trail!

If riding tubeless, you will need to checking sealant fluid levels and top up if necessary—there are brands/tools out there that allow you to be able to do this without ‘popping’ the bead, making the whole process less hassle.

Check for cuts in the sidewalls

 

Drivetrain

This time of year is particularly heavy on the drivetrain components such as the chain, cassette, chainrings and derailleurs, so spending some time on keeping these cleaned and lubricated will reduce the wear and tear.

Unless you use a quick-link or similar, the chain should be cleaned in situ as ‘breaking’ and refitting it by the more traditional methods can add another potential weakness to the chain. There are a number of products available to aid in cleaning your chain in position which work well. If you have disc brakes, it’s important not to contaminate your disc pads, so removing them and the wheel is sensible when cleaning. With the wheel removed, a ‘dummy hub’ comes in very handy to hold the chain in place.

Chain cleaning tool and dummy hub in action

 

A thorough clean should be a monthly task and, over the winter period, it’s also a good idea to have an additional quick clean and re-lube after every ride which will reduce chain wear considerably.

Moving onto the rest of the drivetrain, the cassette should be removed and soaked in de-greaser at least monthly and then re-fitted. No additional lubrication is required on this item due to transfer from the lubricated chain.

Front and rear derailleurs should be cleaned regularly as well, ensuring that all linkages are thoroughly lubricated by working them through both extremes of travel with fresh lube.

The chainrings should also be wiped clean regularly to keep levels of dirt and grit to a minimum.

Having cleaned and re-lubricated the drive train, it’s a good time to check gear adjustment and fine tune if necessary, as clunking gears can also increase the wear rate on these components.

Finally…

It can’t be stressed enough that a clean bike is a happy bike! During the winter, it’s even more important that you regularly wash the whole bike using warm soapy water and a soft brush to prevent heavy build-up of dirt and mud, and rinse off with cold water. Make sure to wipe down and dry the bike and, for extra protection, it’s recommended that you apply polish to the frame to help prevent corrosive elements attacking your lovely paintwork.

Now your bike’s ready for the winter rides, all that’s left is to make sure you’ve wrapped up warm in order to go out and enjoy them!

Kinesis
Clean bike = happy bike

 

Interested in learning more about bike maintenance and mechanics?

If you want to find out more about our courses, talk about which one is best for you, or if you just have a question about some practical advice, come visit Cytech at The Cycle Show in April. Happy winter riding!

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