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[mysticrecord]

Usually in the winter I just drive my car around, but this year I am determined to keep using my bike. Being new to the biking + cold weather thing, I was hoping some of you with more experience in the matter might give me tips regarding

Comments

[istopi]

Good lube that prevents rust - I can't suggest one because in the winter I use a huffy that I don't care if it rusts.

If you keep your bike outside though - good chance it is going to rust and if you ride a freewheel, that is a possibility that it will freeze and not work. Last winter here in Michigan my friend's freewheel froze and he couldn't use his bike so that is when he started riding fixed. But he was also commuting in 4 inches of snow at 4am.

After you ride throught he snow there will be a huge collection of it around your bottom bracket and on your rear cog(s). If you store your bike outside, that snow will sit there (along with road salt) and eat away at your bike. I would suggest a good wipe down every once in a while and on dry days if you have the time - taking your bike apart and cleaning it out.

Other people with more experience may be able to help you. Like I said, in the winter I just ride a Huffy and let it deteriorate.

[orangelamp]

Rust, is largely inevitable, but there are things that can prevent it.

Car wax (like, after you wash your car) will prevent crud from sticking to the frame.

Also, oil it a lot.

keep the bike outside, this prevents freezing and thawing (ice, doesn't cause rust. salt water does.)

What you have to be careful of, is your lock,,, that gets jammed up so make sure you regularly hit it with WD/40 or winter weight motor oil. Also, not a terrible idea to carry lock de-icer.

I live in Edmonton, where it gets stupid cold, and I used to live in ottawa where it gets crazy snow. I can answer just about anything to do with winter riding.

[mysticrecord]

I picked up some WD-40 today and sprayed it on my pedals and damn. The rust is practically gone already. Such a good idea. I heard that vaseline will keep the chain from rusting and keep it lubed ... is that safe to ride on or just for storage?

[haptotrope]

Ol' Bessie has lived outside for 3 years now, chained to the pole like the gloriously wretched servant girl she is. eventually you'll have to replace things... but there is never too much lube. make sure yer bottom bracket and hubs and headset are seriously lubed also.

But the not talked about tip here is make sure you have a new vinyl or well sealed seat. .. or a hard plastic seat. Outside storage means that water will get in the foam/padding, and then freeze... then you ride it... and it's kinda like a brooks saddle... only its really a block of ice that slowly shapes to your nethers.