Winter Riding.

[alpslapper]

Right then.

The idea of this here thread is to post up your top tips for dealing with winter riding so we can all help to keep each other safe, and enjoying biking through the winter months.

I'll do some judicius editing as we go along so it will end up looking a bit like an FAQ.

So get posting on your top tips for things like dealing with winds, sleet, unexpected snow, frost, ice, staying warm and dry, and what mechanically to do preparing the bike for winter.

Over to you

[Lord Vader]

Right then.
unexpected snow(drop it lots of times), frost, ice(drop it again), staying warm and dry, and what mechanically to do preparing the bike for winter.

Over to you

Heated grips
Good balaclava(with a bib)
Wear 2 pairs of socks
Thermos with hot coffee in the topbox

[jasonbc]

Right then.

The idea of this here thread is to post up your top tips for dealing with winter riding so we can all help to keep each other safe, and enjoying biking through the winter months.

I'll do some judicius editing as we go along so it will end up looking a bit like an FAQ.

So get posting on your top tips for things like dealing with winds, sleet, unexpected snow, frost, ice, staying warm and dry, and what mechanically to do preparing the bike for winter.

Over to you

Oxtar Gore-tex boots - WARMTH & WATERPROOF
Hein Gericke Cruise suit - WARMTH & WATERPROOF
Salomon - Gore-tex sking gloves - WARMTH & WATERPROOF
Clean Headlight and clean Visor - VISIBILITY
GArden hose full of fresh cold water - for cold rinse after each ride- CORROSION AND FINISH

[Alba]

Heated grips
Good balaclava(with a bib)
Wear 2 pairs of socks (try hill walking socks)
Thermos with hot coffee in the topbox
Oxtar Gore-tex boots - WARMTH & WATERPROOF
Hein Gericke Cruise suit - WARMTH & WATERPROOF
Salomon - Gore-tex sking gloves - WARMTH & WATERPROOF
Clean Headlight and clean Visor - VISIBILITY
GArden hose full of fresh cold water - for cold rinse after each ride- CORROSION AND FINISH
ACF50 bike end of Autumn
Ride defensively
Strong headlight
Fit auxiliary lights to get the triangle effect
Wear reflective clothing
keeping warm will maintain concentration (more thin layers than one thick)
Regular check of tyre pressures
Always take your waterproofs with you
Wax your boots if leather

[Tony Varadero]

multi layers of cloths
be aware car drivers are cosy and warm in their tin boxes...maybe asleep....
take more frequent breaks

[steinberg]

Visor insert to prevent condensation/misting
V-wipe to clear visor
Wet wipes when V-wipe cannot cope with that grey salty slush thrown up by the vehicle in front!

[steveR]

Right then.

The idea of this here thread is to post up your top tips for dealing with winter riding so we can all help to keep each other safe, and enjoying biking through the winter months.

If the budget allows, do as an aquaintance of mine does, and live in Portugal for half the year!!

Heated grips are the biggest improvement in winter riding safely in the Ahem!... many years I have been on bikes. Autumn is the time to consider when you last changed the battery as it will get some hammer in the coming months, especially if you use heated clothing as well.

Check lights is obvious, but if you think you have any dicky bulbs or lamp units, check for corrosion though modern bikes are much better protected. Same goes for the battery leads, give 'em a wiggle and then spray summat on the terminals or use Vaseline. A good earth is your friend!

Good riding gear is an obvious must, that jacket that was leaking last Winter....? Maybe time to swap it OR get a new XXL overjacket to make sure you do stay dry and warm.



Top tip, avoid Maplin heated clothing....

[trophydave]

Sort any problems with your bike now rather than having to do it in the freezing cold.Get it serviced.Tired battery,worn tyres etc,get them changed.
A good sized front mudflap to keep the spray down.
Bar muffs fastened to wrap around hand protectors to stop them flapping in the breeze.
Boots a size too big to let you wear extra socks without squashing your feet.
H.G lobster claw gloves.
Balaclava.
If your expensive textile gear leaks wear some thin waterproofs over the top of them.