Biking in winter: Technical problems - you have to expect them!
BIKE
· 16.12.2022
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Telescopic seat post in cold weather
Vario seatposts often extend slowly in cold weather. This is due to the oil flowing slowly in the cold. To solve the problem, it helps to run the dropper post in and out repeatedly. The friction causes the oil to flow more smoothly again. Most of the mechanical lines between the remote lever on the handlebars and the valve on the dropper post run well protected in or on the frame. It is therefore not possible to influence the viscosity of the oil in hydraulic lines (e.g. Rockshox Reverb).
Pro tip: "If possible, do not expose the bike and dropper post to extreme cold. Otherwise, an extra portion of lubrication on the sliding bush will help."
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MTB tyres in the cold
From a temperature of around below five degrees Celsius, the rubber of mountain bike tyres hardens. The result: loss of performance. The softer the tyre compound, the more cold-resistant the tyre is. High-quality tyres with a low softening temperature still work very well in the cold. Frost usually only has an effect on sealing milk from below -20 degrees.
Tip for MTB tyres in winter: "A little less air pressure in the tyres helps. You should also avoid exposing the bike to sub-zero temperatures before use."
Battery from gears, dropper post for winter biking
High-quality lithium-ion batteries are usually installed in electrical components such as the Vario seat post, electric gears, lights or bike computer, just like in a smartphone. The capacity drops from below 10 degrees. Depending on how cold it is, you can clearly feel the shrinking battery capacity. The reason: the electrolyte fluid becomes more viscous, which increases the internal resistance. Extreme heat of over 40 degrees Celsius has a similarly negative effect on the battery. Deep discharging should always be avoided, as this wears out the battery more quickly. Therefore, keep your smartphone as close to your body as possible. If you don't need your batteries: keep them charged to 70-80 per cent, store them separately and at room temperature.
Pro tip: "Batteries in the gears and dropper post generally have a long service life (approx. 25 - 50 hours). A little less capacity therefore does not jeopardise the tour. Nevertheless, you should take batteries into the heat as soon as the bike is parked for a longer period of time."
MTB pedals and cleats in winter
clipless pedals and the cleats usually become clogged with mud and snow when riding on trails. If the temperatures are below zero, mud and snow freeze and prevent smooth engagement.
Pro tip: "Silicone spray helps up to a certain temperature. Spray on just before the trail ride."
Shift cables in snow & frost
Bowden cables with unsealed end caps (e.g. Sram, sometimes also Shimano) often allow moisture to penetrate in winter. E.g. after washing or after trail riding in rain and wet conditions. If frost is added, the cables freeze and shifting becomes impossible. Once moisture is in the system, there is no getting round dismantling and cleaning the shift cables.
Professional tip: "Only unsealed end caps are affected; a pea-sized portion of grease on the cable ends before assembly helps here. Avoid aiming at the affected areas when vapour blasting."
Suspension fork & shock absorber for winter biking
Temperatures close to freezing point often have a noticeable effect on suspension elements. This is due to hardened plastic seals and the viscous flow behaviour of the oil. The good thing is that when used on the trail, the energy absorbed by the suspension fork and MTB damper is converted into heat in no time at all. This means that, depending on the terrain, the problem resolves itself after a few metres of use. Some advise opening the rebound and compression dampers to allow the oil to flow better. However, this is not necessary - unless you are competing in the Iditarod race in Alaska or in temperatures well into double figures below zero.
Pro tip: "The problem takes care of itself on the trail. More importantly, mud and salt cause the suspension elements to wear out significantly faster. Care and an annual service will significantly extend the service life of the fork and shock."
Glasses
High humidity causes glasses to fog up more quickly in winter. This happens less frequently with well-ventilated models. The inside of glasses with anti-fog should not be cleaned too often - this damages the coating. The chemical process for photochromic glasses works best at 5-10 degrees. However, there can still be problems, e.g. on foggy winter days, because the UV radiation can also be strong here.
Tip: "Photochromic goggles should start at category 0 so that they can also be used as clear vision goggles."
