Commuting in the autumn and winter season is a tricky affair as the days get shorter and the weather becomes increasingly wet and cold. It can be more challenging for those who are just starting with the bike, therefore, they need to be extra cautious. However, there are a few simple accessories and preparations that may help extend your bike trips to all along the year. So, the following tips may come in handy when next winter or autumn knocks on your door:

● Make Sure You Have Enough Lube: In a wet and cold atmosphere, the lubrication on the chain washes off quickly as the bike splashes through pits and puddles. Also, during this season dirt and gruff deposits easily on the chain. The simplest way to deal with this problem is to clean and lubricate the bike as regular as possible. The frequency of this activity relies on the frequency of your rides and the kind of weather conditions you are in. A simple suggestion is to clean and lubricate after every 200kms ride that you take around the city. In order to do this, you must turn your bike upside down to get easy access to the chain. Turn the pedals backwards as the chain goes working and add some oil drop by drop while moving the chain. Leave it in that state for 5-10 minutes so the liquid soaks the interlinks of the chain well. Wrap a clean cloth around the chain to clean the extra lube and you are good to go.

● Lights: There are two types of lights that come under bike lights categories. It is important to have bike lights especially if you are riding through urban environments. You will need lights that are seen by others or lights that allow you to see others. There is hardly any dearth of good brands in this segment, some even offer USB rechargeable lights. A few factors may need careful consideration which includes lumens, power source, and style of lights that go with the style of your bike.

● Clothing Options: Most of the daily commute or bike tour requirements essentially include clothing options. You can always get yourself some good bike panniers like Ortlieb rear pannier or Ortlieb bike pannier or any other rear bike bag that you believe will carry your clothes safely to the other side of the city. Such accessories are essential for people who commute on a bike to work, the gym, or on weekend bike tours. Always keep a pair or two of clothes and if it is winter season you may want to pack some warmers along with everything else.

● Brakes, Tyres, and General Upkeep: Before setting on wet or cold roads you must ensure that the brakes and tyres are in good condition. If you are planning to purchase a new bike, you may want to get one with disc brakes as those perform better in a muddy and wet environment. Also, see to it that the tyres have sufficient tread as it will play a key role in moving water away safely and prevent the chances of slipping on turns.

St Kilda Cycles
5 Vale St., St Kilda.
Vic 3182
(03) 9534 3074
[email protected]
https://stkildacycles.com.au