Winter comes every year but it still takes people by surprise. Not wrapping up your bike, or yourself, will end in a worn out groupset and worn out legs. We’ve put together a little guide with some ideas of what to pay extra attention to.
Tyres – Vittoria Open Pave CG
When the roads are slippy you want your tyres to be grippy, and they don’t come much more grippy than the Pave CG. You might recognize the green sidewall from its appearance on pro bikes at Paris-Roubaix each year. They’re not cheap, nor the longest lasting, but what price can you put on avoiding a crash on greasy roads?
£41.99, chickencycles.co.uk
Saddlebag – Topeak Aero Wedge
Punctures are more likely in winter as the rain washes foreign bodies on to the side of the road, where they’re primed to bring misery. A decent-sized waterproof saddlebag is your best friend when carting around all the relevant tools and inner tubes to prevent you getting caught short. This Topeak saddlebag even has integrated LED strips to aid visibility in the gloom.
£29.99, extrauk.co.uk
Mudguards – SKS Raceblade
Mudguards aren’t cool in some parts, but we know of plenty of clubes that wouldn’t let you ride without full mudguards after October. What’s more they’ll make it you ride at the back while you spray a line of grime up the back of your best jersey. Avoid the shame by clipping a pair of SKS Raceblades on. We reviewed them recently and gave them 4.5/5: SKS Raceblade review.
£39, zyro.co.uk
Bar Tape – Specialized S-Works Roubaix
Winter riding can be tricky enough without adding thin and slippery bar tape into the mix, which is why it pays you replace it when the mercury starts falling. S-Works Roubaix bar tape has a non-slip surface that makes sure nothing comes between your hands and the bars, while the elastomer gel backing reduces road buzz.
£15, specialized.com
Lights – Lezyne Hecto Drive and Strip Drive set
The Hectro Drive front light will pump out 300 lumens from a very neat package and will last up to 18 hours on the lowest setting. The Strip Drive’s rear five LEDs will ensure that you get seen by any cars approaching from behind.
£54.99, upgradebikes.co.uk
Brakes – Jagwire Road Elite Link
It’s amazing how far water and dirt can penetrate your bike during a wet, muddy ride. Even sealed-in components such as brake cables can suffer after a good soaking, affecting your ability to stop in a timely fashion. The cable liners in this brake kit from Jagwire will help keep cables clean while the compression-less construction boosts braking power.
£55, wiggle.co.uk