How to Prepare Your Bike for Winter
Whether or not you need to prepare your bicycle for winter depends entirely on where you live. If you live somewhere like Darwin, Brisbane, Perth, or Sydney preparing for winter might just mean throwing on a jacket. Lucky you. (Brisbanites might feel different after the cold-snap in early June!) But, for the most, like those in Melbourne, and Adelaide the cold is rolling in like a bike on a downhill, and colder weather, shorter days, and unpredictable weather are here. For some, that means locking their summer bike in the shed and switching it out for something more rugged – but for many others, their bicycle needs to survive various seasons. Cycling in winter can be rough (both on your bike and yourself) and even though winter reliably arrives every year, many cyclists find themselves caught out when June comes and they’ve forgotten to prepare their cycling machine. Here are our top tips to ensure your bike stays in good shape throughout the colder months.Dress the part

Stay hydrated!
When we train in winter, we tend to forget to stay hydrated because we don’t always feel as thirsty during o after training! It is very important to ensure you continue to take in enough fluids to stay hydrated and energized even when, or especially when it is cold. So, drink up!Keep Your Lights On
Australian road rules state you need to have a front white light and a rear red light visible for at least 200 meters away. While all cyclists will know to use their light in poor visibility or in the evenings, it can be easy to forget that in winter you may need it during the day too. Remember, lights aren’t just to illuminate your path. Half of their purpose is to ensure that you’re visible to motorists. In winter, weather conditions can change quickly and sunset might sneak up on you, so a good rule of thumb is to always have a light source with you even if the day starts off bright. Consider these points when choosing a light:- Great visibility
- Weather-resistant
- Durability
- Easy to use
- Easy to mount
- Easy to charge

Prep you bike

- Tyre – makes sure these are in good condition and has a good grip and pressure. You might even consider getting a new set of winter wheels.
- Keep it clean – your bike needs to be cleaned and lubricated after every ride! Remember, it is not just the frame then needs a washy, maintain the chain as well!
- Safety first – check your cables and brake pads