Fix it yourself
Winter bike maintenance checklist
Seafront salt spray, wet roads and grit are hard on bikes. A few simple habits keep yours running smoothly until spring.
20 minEasy
You'll need
Tools
- Wet chain lube
- A rag and bucket of warm water
- Lights, front and rear
- Mudguards
Step by step
How to do it
- Rinse after salty ridesIf you ride along the seafront, rinse the bike with plain water afterwards — salt quietly eats chains, cables and bolts.
- Switch to wet lubeWet lube lasts longer in the rain. Clean and re-lube the chain every week or two.
- Check brake pads oftenWet grit wears pads much faster in winter. Check them every couple of weeks.
- Fit mudguardsThey keep you, your chain and the people behind you much drier.
- Lights and visibilityCheck both lights charge or have fresh batteries, and keep a spare light if you commute in the dark.
- Consider puncture-resistant tyresWinter roads are full of flints and glass — tougher tyres mean fewer cold roadside repairs.
- Store it dryKeep the bike indoors or under cover if you can.
Not going to plan?
Bring it in instead if…
- Brakes feel weak in the wet
- Gears have gone sluggish
- Cables are stiff or rusty
- It hasn't been serviced since summer
We can sort it
Winter service · £45Drop in Monday–Friday 8:45am–5:45pm or Saturday 9am–4pm at 13 Lansdowne Mews, Hove — or book a collection within 5 miles.
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