Snowsafe Blog

Get your bike ready for the clocks going back and winter

Get your bike prepared, Summer time ends on Sunday 25th October 2020 and clocks go back which means winter is fast approaching and cycling becomes that little bit harder as the nights get longer.

8 ways to get your bike ready for winter 

1. Your first step when prepping your bike for winter is investing in a good set of Bike Lights, It’s a law and regulation in the UK to ride in the dark with bike lights, The white light should be mounted and shown on the front of your bike with the Red rear tail light shown on the back. 
2. Invest in a good Bike Helmet, nowadays bike helmets have evolved in technology, we recommend helmets that include MIPS Brain Protection system installed.
3. Keep yourself warm with a Face Scarf which covers your face and neck, you should also make sure you have proper insulating cycle clothing.  
4. Make sure you have night reflective clothing, Backpack, Helmet or Ankle reflectors.  
5. Get your Winter tyres ready, when riding in the winter you should haveis helps with grip, epsically on slippy ground.
6. Be prepared for an increased number of mechanical issues , ensure you ride with a saddle pouch including a puncture repair kit, first aid kit, Inner Tubes more.
7. Spare innertubes is no use without a bike pump, Make sure you mount a frame pump to your bike, you may need to take a pit stop to make sure your tyres have the right pressure. 
8. Stay on top of cleaning and maintenance, make sure you check your tyres, wires, brake pads, mudguards and more.

Cold weather can take its toll on your bicycle and certainly your cycling ability.

Have you ever wondered what effects cold weather has on your bike and ability?

• During the winter you tend to ride slower,  cold bearings and grease are stiffer which  makes it harder to turn. 
• Your tyres are colder and therefore have  greater rolling resistance.
• Better  to ride on softer tyres for better control on ice or frosty ground. 
• Air Density is greater and effects your progress through the air when riding. 
• You wear bulkier clothing, making  you less aerodynamic.
• With bulkier clothing, comes weight, weight can slow you down and makes it harder to pedal.

Snowsafe Blogs:

It’s important to stay safe and have the correct training when skiing or snowboarding off-piste please check out further blogs below:

• Face Scarfs vs Face Masks
• SAR Recco Rescue Helicopter
• What is a Recco reflector and why should you always wear one?
• Why choose a helmet with MIPS Brain Protection System
• Could there be an app on your phone that is an Avalanche Transceiver?
• Why smartphones, watches, Gopros can interfere with avalanche transceivers
• Avalanches can happen on-piste, Be Searchable with Recco.

If you would like to feature a blog about your organisation or experience in the snow please feel free to contact us on info@snowsafe.co.uk or 01273 737676. We are happy to take guest blogs linking back to your website.