How to Prep a Mountain Bike for Winter
The onset of winter doesn't have to mean the end of mountain bike season. All it takes for year-round access to the trails is a little preparation.
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Things You'll Need
- Bike Fenders
- Bike Headlights
- Bike Lube
- Bike Pedals
- Bike Suspension
- Bike Tires
- Mountain Bikes
Instructions
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1
Repack your bike's hubs, headset and bottom bracket. If you don't know how to do this yourself, bring your bike into a bike shop and have them do it for you.
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2
Mount fenders over both wheels. They'll minimize splashing of slush and snow.
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3
Put front and rear lights on your bike. When the sun goes down in the early afternoon you'll be glad you have them.
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4
Replace worn tires with new heavy-tread knobbies.
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5
Use a lower tire pressure for better traction on slippery surfaces.
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6
Use platform pedals instead of clipless pedals. The clipless pedals can be very difficult to clip into when they're cold and icy.
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7
Perform regular maintenance on the bike all winter long. Wash all slush and dirt from the bike and lubricate all moving parts at least once a week.
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Tips & Warnings
Use studded tires or chains for extreme winter conditions.
If you have a shock with an elastomer dampening device, replace that device with a metal spring that won't be affected by the cold.
