Spectrum: Winter is just around the corner. Cyclists soon have to contend with slippery road conditions, poor visibility and road salt. But this time of year is not only an endurance test for the drivers – the material can also suffer quite a bit under certain circumstances. Our series of articles reveals how to best prepare your bike and look after it during the winter. Today there is the first part - requirements, tires and tubes.
What do I need?
Well, in addition to a little screwdriver experience, you also need a few tools, which should be found in most reasonably sorted tool boxes. This list does not claim to be complete either, special tools are always required for certain components, but the largest area can be covered with the following things:
- A set of Allen keys (especially the 4mm key is important)
- A set of open-end wrenches (if necessary, an adjustable "Englishman", e.g. from IKEA)
- A combination pliers
- Screwdriver (preferably with interchangeable bits)
- For wheels that require some care: WD40 penetrating oil
You also need a little more time, a workshop, a screwdriver cellar or, if necessary, an old carpet on the living room floor.
tires and tubes
Right at the start comes the biggest problem for most commuters – tires and inner tubes. Are the hoses still holding air? If they gradually lose air, the valve is often broken and the only solution is to replace the hose if you don't want to keep pumping. Here it is important to pay attention to the right size and the right valve. The easiest way is to take your old inner tube with you to the bike shop. Otherwise we have here is an overview about the different valve types. With regard to the size, you should simply refer to what is written on the tire, eg 28×1,35. A visual inspection of the tires is often sufficient. Porous, cracked or worn tires should always be replaced.
You shouldn't skimp on new tires, the differences are sometimes significant, not only in terms of the profile, but also in terms of the rubber compound. Many cheaper compounds harden in the cold and lose enormous traction. Advice from a well-stocked specialist shop will help. As a rough guide: In winter, it's better to have a bigger profile and a little wider (pay attention to the fenders). Wide tires can then be ridden with less pressure - you can progress a little more slowly, but the contact area is larger. If you regularly drive in winter and don't shy away from snow and ice, you can also think about studded tires. The small metal tips don't help on loose snow, but the firmer the surface, the greater the advantages of such tires. Hard-packed snow or even ice are the prime disciplines for studded tires - there they offer an enormous safety plus.
That should be it for now. Tomorrow the next part of the series follows and we deal with the brakes.
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