| Cycling in Winter time is different to cycling in the | | | | temperatures is also best avoided. The wheels that |
| Summer. In the Summer you can speed along at quite | | | | you fit these tyres to should also be similarly cheaper. |
| a pace and have confidence in the ability of your bike | | | | Leave the racing wheels for Summer. Get some |
| to hold the road, no matter what your level of bike | | | | traditional spokes on there instead. Obviously, riding in |
| control. In Winter you need to slow down. The road | | | | the Winter is going to be a colder pastime than riding in |
| conditions are invariably wet which means slippery and | | | | the Summer, but it doesn't have to be unbearably so. |
| the level of bike control you exhibit needs to increase. | | | | There are a few additions you will require to your |
| When temperatures drop below three degress celsius | | | | wardrobe to help keep you warm, but they don't have |
| you also need to be on the lookout for black ice. Miss | | | | to cost the earth. For example, get yourself a good |
| it and it won't matter what your level of competence | | | | wicking undershirt and a pair of warm cycling tights |
| is. | | | | and you will definitely feel the benefit. A pair of gloves |
| Because of the weather the roads will have also been | | | | is a definite requirement as feeling in the hands is the |
| salted by the council which means that your bike is | | | | first to go in the Winter. If you add in a pair of |
| being attacked not only by the elements but also by | | | | overshoes (rather than thick socks) and a windproof |
| the corrosive stuff that the gritters drop. In Summer | | | | jacket then you're ready to go. |
| you can probably get away with hardly ever cleaning | | | | Once you return home spend some time on |
| your bike. In Winter you should make time to clean it to | | | | preventative maintenance. If you do nothing else make |
| a certain degree after every ride. | | | | sure you look after your chain and regularly lubricate it. |
| If you can afford to, it may be worth having a second | | | | If you have a little more time, then give your bike a |
| (probably less valuable) bike just for riding in Winter. | | | | wash to get all the road salt off and then dry it with an |
| That way you can set about it with a screwdriver etc | | | | old towel or t-shirt. While you're at it take advantage of |
| and get some mud guards fitted. There's nothing | | | | being up so close to all the parts of your bike and |
| worse than the feeling of mud and salted water | | | | inspect it for damage. Especially look out for damage |
| splashing up your back as you ride along the road. You | | | | to tyres and frayed cables. |
| should also consider using heavy duty cheaper tyres | | | | Then go inside and make a cup of tea, put your feet |
| on your second bike as they will tend to stick the road | | | | up and feel good about yourself for not being totally |
| a little better and they will also resist punctures better. | | | | lazy on the long winter nights. |
| Repairing a puncture at the side of the road in freezing | | | | |