Bicycling is an engaging and enjoyable activity for competitive athletes and recreational sportsmen alike. To keep a bicycle effectively functioning in spring, summer, and fall, it’s important to invest in proper bike repair. Due to harsh riding conditions during the winter, it’s even more crucial for bicyclists to winterize their bikes before peddling on any wet or icy roads.

3 Ways to Winterize Your Bicycle 

1. Set up a Cleaning Station

Regularly cleaning your bike is essential to keeping your bicycle in proper working order throughout the year. Nevertheless, when temperatures drop and road conditions become perilous, the need to keep your bike clear of dirt and debris becomes all the more imperative. Before cycling on snowy terrain, scrub your bike with water to remove crud, soot, or any other sediments. Additionally, spray your bike’s frame, downtube, cassette, and pedals with cooking oil to prevent muck from impairing your ability to safely ride.

2. Treat Your Tires

While full-coverage fenders are important for riding in the rain, their cylinders can freeze in cold weather and cause tires to jam. Install detachable mudguard fenders to keep your bike easy to manipulate and maneuver during wintertime. Similarly, visit a bike repair shop to winterize your bicycle with treaded soft rubber or studded tires. With ample traction and smooth tread rolls, file-tread tires can help you safely steer on snowy streets.

3. Customize Your Bike Clothes

Along with bike repair and refurbishment, make yourself more visible in obstructive winter conditions by decking your backpack and helmet with lights. If you go on a bicycle ride in foggy, dim, or snowy conditions, make yourself more visible to drivers on the road with accessory lights. Additionally, ensure that your bike’s tailgate lights are in working order before beginning an expedition.

To winterize your bicycle, stop by the premier bike shop in Columbia, Missouri. Since 1977, the professional locksmiths at Jim's Bike & Key Shop have provided communities within a 40-mile radius with name brand bicycles, expert lockout services, reliable lock pick assistance, quality key cutting, and affordable bike assembly services. Call (573) 442-7011 to schedule your next bike repair service, and like them on Facebook to learn how their trained team of technicians can speedily service any bike within 24 hours.