Winter Training Guide - Bike Setup
Winter bikes have changed over the years. People used to have pride in how heavy and slow their winter bike was. Fenders that almost dragged on the ground and the heaviest-slowest-most flat resistant tires available. A few dedicated riders had mechanical disc brakes. The rest of us just had to start braking 300 meters before each turn on a wet descent.
My trusted winter bike was my Redline cross bike. Full fenders with cantilever brakes. People knew I was coming whenever I had to slow down. While I have nostalgia for a rim brake road bike for half of the year, disc brakes are far superior and durable in wet conditions. Things have changed for the better. Disc brakes, clearance for bigger tubeless tires, and the clothing itself.
Having a good winter bike setup is about function as much as safety. In many places during the winter (definitely Portland), low lighting, fog and limited daylight necessitate lights at all hours of the day. Have all the tools and equipment on your bike to go out and come back safely.
List of essentials and tips for the do-it-all winter bike:
Full Fenders, or as full as you can fit on your bike.
Lights please! Light yourself up like WHOVILLE. 700+ lumen light in the front and 150+ lumens in the rear is recommended.
A bell is great for alerting other cyclists and pedestrians of your presence without alarming them.
Reflective tape. The first thing we used to take off our bikes was the reflectors, but now there are a lot of subtle options for reflective tape that will light up from different perspectives.
Research has shown that the shoes, gloves, and helmet are the most important items to brighten up. A bright top layer is a good choice as well. Make it loud. All black is never in fashion.
Might need to stop and warm up? Bring an OTTOLOCK.
Do you like to stand in the rain and wait for someone to pick you up? Bring tools for almost every scenario. Two Tubes + patch kit, hex keys, chain tool, tire boots, masterlink, tire levers, tire plugs, and a good pump.
Tires. 30-40mm is a great size for road/gravel winter rides. Set them up tubeless with plenty of sealant. Most sealant simply squirts out at pressure over 60psi, a smaller tire with higher pressure will have more punctures.
Many flat tires happen from debris that have been in the tires for days or weeks. Pick the debris out regularly before it makes its way through.
Train with purpose and don’t worry about all the stuff slowing you down. When you hop on your race bike, it will feel like a rocket ship!
Ride safe out there.
