Preparing your MOD BIKE for the winter

Riding your bike during the winter doesn't need to be a miserable experience. In fact, if you think ahead and take a few extra steps, riding in the snow can be a lot of fun. We've put together this quick winter guide to help keep you riding, no matter what the weather brings your way.

Stay Warm

Probably the most important thing to do when riding in cold conditions is to start warm, and stay warm. If you don’t begin your ride warm, it is unlikely that you will warm up once you are out in the cold. Before your ride do some light aerobics or drink something warm so that you start on the right foot.

Once you start warm, you need to stay warm. The best way to do this is by layering properly. Ideally, you should wear a light-weight wicking material, such as polyester or marino wool as your base layer. This will help to get rid of moisture that would otherwise freeze against your skin. Your next layer should have thermal properties to help retain body heat. For your outer-layer, wear something that is water-resistant and capable of blocking the wind.

Keep in mind that about 30% of your body heat escapes through your head. Wearing a warm cap or adding a thermal liner to your helmet will help keep you warm. Avoid using a hooded jacket, as the hood will quickly inflate like a sail, slowing you down while wicking away your body heat.

Gloves and thermal socks are also a must, and we recommend taking more than one pair of each. If you ride through a puddle, you definitely won’t want to ride far with cold, wet socks. You may also need to change a tire during your ride, and thick gloves will make that difficult. Having a thinner pair of gloves in your pack can be a life-saver.

Preparing Your Bike

Winter riding is very hard on your bike, but with a few adjustments you can avoid a lot of unnecessary repairs.  If you have the option to use an old bike during the winter, take advantage of it! We strongly advise that you do not purchase a new bike for the winter. If using an old bike is not an option, think about purchasing a second set of tires that you can swap out for the season. Wider tires with deep treads are optimal for the winter months.

Make sure to oil your chain and drive-train before the winter, as the oil will help to repel dirt and debris that would otherwise work into these components. It's also a good idea to not ride with a front suspension, as the winter elements will quickly ruin them.  Road salt is particularly corrosive to all metals, so always make sure to wipe your bike down thoroughly after a winter ride.

Keep your bike somewhere cool when not riding it, as moving it between hot and cold will attract moisture, which will quickly freeze when you take your bike outside. Also, if you plan on storing your bike outside, make sure to get a good cover to keep the snow and ice off.

Adjust Your Riding Style

You should also adjust the way that you ride during the winter. Most drivers are not experienced with driving on ice, and heavy snow will make you harder to see than on a clear day. Make sure to ride slow, and to stay alert to conditions like ice and deep powder. Brake early and stay loose and relaxed, as locked arms and knees will reduce your reaction time. 

Try to only use your rear brake in order to avoid spills. Also, try to stay seated and avoid hammering down on the pedals, as your rear wheel will need the extra weight to avoid spinouts. A little sliding is to be expected, so if you plan on riding through the winter try to get used to it. Most importantly, stay focused, keep your eyes up, your head on a swivel and stay upright as leaning into turns will increase the chance of your bike slipping out from under you. 

If you have the option, ride with friends. Riding with friends will allow you to take turns shielding each other from the oncoming wind. Drivers will have an easier time seeing you if you are in a group, and when it comes to bearing the cold, misery loves company.