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Winter touring bike maintenance

The Pedalshift Project 104: Winter touring bike maintenance

You might not be riding through snow and ice, but winter is a time to take stock of your bicycle’s condition for future tours. On this episode of the pod, winter touring bike maintenance, including care after icy rides and some tips on keeping your drivetrain clean and happy during the harshest season!

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The Pedalshift Project #104: Winter touring bike maintenance

Followup 

A few slots remain open for winter bicycle tour consulting. If you’re interested in some personal help in planning your upcoming tour go check that out! Pedalshift society members keep an eye open for an email with a special thank you discount for your support of the show! 

Gear Talk

Let’s pour one out for my dynohub wheel… it rode thousands of miles and generated a lot of electrons. But now it’s toast. Going back to a stock touring front wheel since my conversion from a dynohub guy to a “bring three batteries” guy. Might change my tune for some real outback riding, but I don’t really do that.

Winter touring bike maintenance

  • Keep it clean – wipe down after rides especially in salt-treated areas. Clean your parts periodically when there’s a warm spot or a reprieve in the conditions.
  • Do a full inspection of wearables (LBS may be a help here) – chain, cassette, brake pads. Replace as needed.
  • Lube up – lubricate liberally during the cold season, but as always wipe down. Dry lubes might be a better choice this time of year, but you need to lube it more.
  • If you don’t have fenders, consider getting them for winter. Be mindful of the clearance if you bike in snow a lot, as the snow/ice/slush can build up in between the fender and tire.
Now’s also a good time of year to assess your non-bike gear… seam seal the tent? Wish list a few replacement items? Make a list.
 

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