I built a tool to help you keep riding your bike as winter approaches, by Shifter on YouTube. 17 min 1 s.
- Video length
- 17 min 1 s
- Time to do it
- 1 hour
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Use a bike-rideable days calculator for your city to see how many days a year you could realistically ride. It helps you plan for the season instead of guessing.
Fit a front and rear light and check the batteries. Autumn daylight fades early, so run lights even on dull afternoon rides.
Add mudguards front and rear. They keep spray off your back, your shoes and the drivetrain, which saves a lot of cleaning.
Clean and lube the chain more often. Wet grit wears a chain fast, so wipe it dry and re-oil it after rainy rides.
Check your brake pads for wear and make sure they bite early. Wet rims and discs need more room to stop.
Dress in layers with a waterproof outer shell, gloves and something bright or reflective. You can strip layers off as you warm up.
Keep spare gloves and a packable rain jacket at work or in your bag, so a wet morning does not stop the ride home.
Ride slower and brake earlier on wet leaves, painted lines and metal covers. Keep the bike more upright through corners.
Tips and common mistakes
Lower your tire pressure a little in wet weather for more grip, but stay above the minimum printed on the sidewall.
Lube the chain straight after a wet ride, not weeks later, or rust starts under the rollers.
Reflective straps on your ankles or knees move as you pedal, which catches drivers' eyes better than a static vest.
Do a quick light, brake and tire check once a week so small problems do not strand you in the dark.
Questions
Do I need a different bike for autumn and winter?
No. A normal commuter bike works fine once you add lights and mudguards and keep the chain clean. Studded tires only matter once ice arrives.
How do I stop my hands and feet getting cold?
Wear gloves and warm socks, and keep your core warm so blood keeps flowing to your hands. Waterproof overshoes help on wet days.
Is it safe to ride in the rain?
Yes, if you slow down, brake earlier and stay visible with lights and bright clothing. Wet roads need longer stopping distances.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
