Bike Prep Tips for Winter
This article is originally posted at MXStore.
BIKE PREPARATION TIPS FOR WINTER
?How good is winter! Not only an epic time to ride, but it’s also a good time to stop and make sure your bike is in great condition and ready to roll out to the track or trails in the best condition it can be in.
Here’s a few reminders on bike maintenance tips, along with our suggestions on how to make the most of your winter riding.
See you out there!
1) FUEL STABILISERS
Fuel stabilisers bind water and protects the system against rust and corrosion. This helps prevent the gummy build up in the fuel system associated with oxidation and ensures smooth start after long periods of storage.
2) FLUSH BRAKE FLUID
Always good to flush brake fluid with new fluid. Brake fluid is “hydroscopic” which in a nutshell means super absorbent – it is essential to flush it on a regular basis to lessen chances of boiling brakes.
You will need a bleed kit (if you don’t already have one), an 8mm spanner for the bleed screw/nipple (please note 8mm fits MOST but not ALL) – definitely worth checking before you head down to the local Bunnings! Finally, don’t forget some brake clean and a rag and bottle to catch and clean up any mess you make.
3) REPLACE LEVERS
Get a pair of folding levers – saves carrying spares with you!
4) PROTECT YOUR BIKE
Winter usually brings condensation on rides which can get into the nooks and crannies of your bike and cause corrosion and rust. There’s a tonne of different products to suit (depending on the types of riding you do) but the list of protective parts for your bike include handguards, bash/skidplates, radiator sleeves, clutch & ignition protectors, pipe guards & front disc guards.
5) WEAR THE RIGHT STUFF
Invest in cold weather riding gear. This stuff is built to be durable most of the time and you’ll get a few good seasons use out of them.
Clothing we can’t do without through winter include:
- riding jacket or vest (wind proof) to reduce that chill factor from the wind and elements
- specific winter riding gear (the Fox Legion range is a great range to consider)
- a pair of Kevlar under gloves are awesome for keeping hands warm and reducing blisters at the same time!
- compression gear can be worn under for increased warmth if needed
6) REDUCE THE FOG
Dual lens goggles help prevent fogging (due to condensation) on your ride. We like to call this the “foggle” effect. When your vision is impacted, your safety is too! Keep that in mind. Some goggles you can pick up from $60ish or if you have a top end pair of goggles you can always throw in a new dual density lens kit to your goggle bag for those cold(ish) days.
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