Winter check list

[NormanD]

So once again it's that time of year when the weather turns nasty and we have to make some provisions to protect our mounts from the harsh conditions of the approaching winter.

So yesterday I spent a good few hours setting my bike up to help protect it

1. frame stripped, washed, waxed, greased, put back together = check

2. all cables given a squirt of oil down the cable housing = check

3. all ferrules filled with car wax (helps stop water egress) and exposed wires waxed = check

4. derailleurs checked and pivoting points Teflon coated = check

5. chain removed / cleaned / remounted and wet lube applied = check

6. shifters and brake leavers checked and greased = check

7. all bolts /screws checked for tightness = check

8. lights fitted (front and back) and new batteries installed = check
9. mudguards fitted = check


10. wheels / tyres and tyre pressures checked = check

11. all spares carried on the bike (tools / puncture repair kit) checked = check


12. Winter clothing checked over and waterproofed = check

13. well earned cup of coffee = check and drank 


Well thats should provide my bike with a little extra protection for the coming winter, I do most of the above checks before I ride the bike each time anyways, but a little extra time spent will save me a load of hassle later   


What do you do to help protect your mount for winter?

Norm

 

[Moodyman]

Nothing specific for winter, but I do all of the above regulary throughout the year.

Keeps her running smooth and you can spot danger signs earlier.

 

[swee'pea99]

I put new batteries in my back light. 




Sorry...check.

 

[Over The Hill]

Summer
Check the tyres are inflated

Winter
Check the tyres are inflated
Switch on lights if it is dark

I can do neither too far in advance of my ride so not even a "Check!"

 

[threebikesmcginty]

Rather than go barefoot I put me welly shoes on to go and get the bike out of the shed.

 

[gbb]

I tend to remove the calipers, clean the recesses and liberally apply some grease or antisieze. Those recesses get full of salt and crud through a winter.

You're going to have to do it now...

 

[Arch]

To ready my winter bike for... well, winter, I carry it downstairs to the lobby, and carry the summer one back up.

I might pump the tyres up too...

Really meant to fit a hub dynamo this summer, but have failed to do so, so it's 6 months of being more audible than most cars thanks to my noisy bottle dynamo.

 

[John the Monkey]

Really meant to fit a hub dynamo this summer, but have failed to do so, so it's 6 months of being more audible than most cars thanks to my noisy bottle dynamo.

hub dynamo wheel build is on my to do list.

bet it will be this time next year too!

 

[surfdude]

check to see if its still in the shed . if it is take it for a ride .

check

 

[iAmiAdam]

Check bike has two wheels, ride.

 

[ELL]

Buy a winter bike = check

 

[Globalti]

What do you do to help protect your mount for winter?

Norm

Kick tyres. Squeeze brakes. Pour a bottle of Copper Dragon Golden Pippin. - Check.

 

[threebikesmcginty]

...Pour a bottle of Copper Dragon Golden Pippin. - Check.

For winter, are you insane?

You want a dark and warming beer like Adnams Broadside or a Hooky Twelve Days!

 

[zigzag]

Nothing specific for winter, but I do all of the above regulary throughout the year.

Keeps her running smooth and you can spot danger signs earlier.

and i thought i spend too much time around my bikes!.. i do the above checks only if the bike is new. after that:

pump up the tyres every weekend
clean and lube the chain every two weeks, fine-tune disc brakes if needed
check the tyres and remove sharp debris once a month
inspect drivetrain for wear couple times a year
re-grease headset and change the cables - whenever i feel it's needed (after 1-2 years)

other issues, squeeks and creaks can be fixed as they appear (=almost never).

 

[fossyant]

My list....................

1 Carry on regardless.

2 Fit studs to MTB, just in case...................