We know the sun is still shining and the cold weather is just a distant thought away but its time to start thinking about your winter riding and getting prepared so you aren't caught out when the first heavy rains come.
It's hard to keep the motivation going in cold wet weather but keep it going, you must, and the best way to do it is by preparing for it.
If you're going to keep riding your bike in winter there are some things we feel a bike shouldn't be without:
- Mudguards are essential to keep your bum, feet and face clean. We have a range of mudguards to fit most bikes and we offer free fitting.
- Lights need to make you seen and can help find those nasty potholes on your ride. Get a powerful set to really light up the road, we have a range of high power lights from PDW and Guee.
- Bike Cleaner, we all hate washing our bike but keeping it clean during winter can really help with keeping the bike functioning well, pay particular attention to the drivetrain, mud and grime clogs up the derailleurs and can result in need new ones.
- Puncture proof your bike. If you commute regularly or want to drop on the turbo trainer over winter it might be worth investing in Tannus Solid Tyres, these are completely puncture proof and will last 9000 miles. If you prefer pneumatic tyres grab a set of sturdy Schwalbe Marathons for winter roads, they come in various sizes to fit most bikes. But if you want some really sticky road tyres why not try the Halo Twinrail Berlin Courier, these are really tough and stick to the road in all weathers.
Some of you will be considering mothballing the summer bike and getting out the harder wearing winter bike for your rides. Well if you haven't got a winter bike or are looking for an upgrade why not consider taking a look at our range. We have bikes that are perfect for the harsh weather, Steel Frames, Disc Brakes, Easy Gearing. The Light Blue range are all Reynolds Steel; lightweight but stiff and speedy, the Robinson and Darwin come with disc brakes and clearance for larger tyres and mudguards.
The Light Blue Robinson 1x
The Light Blue Darwin 1x
Our Marin range are equally as tough with the steel framed Four Corners ready to take on any terrain with wide range of gears and fittings for racks and mudguards. The Elite version comes in Columbus Thorn Steel which makes it lightweight while keeping the nippy geometry, it's really bright and colourful too! The Gestalt is the Mountain Bikers Road Bike so when the trails become too wet and boggy why not take this out with its SRAM Rival 1x drivetrain it's simple to ride and can take on rougher terrain than a tradition road bike.
Marin Four Corners Elite
Marin Gestalt 2
Alternatively, there are a few more utility focused bicycles that will make for ideal everyday vehicles. The Marin Muirwoods and Fairfax are both utilitarian workhorses designed comfortably and efficiently get you around the city. They are particularly good for riding in the wettest and coldest of conditions as they can be set up with racks with enough capacity to carry the weekly shopping. They also can be fitted with fenders to keep you dry.
Marin Fairfax SC2
Marin Muirwoods 29
Don't let cycling in the winter put you. Wrap up for the cold weather and get the correct tools for the job and you'll be well away. You will be surprised how little you get caught in the rain too. If you wanted any further advice on cycling in winter or have any questions on the bicycles above then don't hesitate to get in touch.
Happy cycling!