Road salt usually consists of sodium chloride, but calcium and magnesium chloride are also used. The latter in particular is very hygroscopic, i.e. it actively attracts moisture and binds it for longer, which should improve its effectiveness as a de-icing agent. However, these aggressive road salts are responsible for damage to vehicles, including bicycles and e-bikes. Exposed vehicle parts in particular, such as the chain, are exposed to the salts.
Maintaining and lubricating the bike chain in advance
"Chain care is therefore extremely important. You actually have to do the same as in summer, only more often," advises Martin Buchta from KMC bicycle chain importer Messingschlager. Important: The chain must be maintained and lubricated before it makes loud running noises or even starts to rust. According to Buchta, whether a chain rusts quickly or not also depends on the material. Inexpensive models generally do not have a special coating that protects against rust. High-quality chains for frequent and everyday riders, on the other hand, have a smooth, rust-resistant surface, which should minimise maintenance and rust formation. "Higher-quality chains and sprockets usually have a passivating coating. This improves corrosion resistance. Nevertheless, abrasion and the like can be found on the surface, which can also lead to flash rust, which can then impair the passivation," adds Patrik Laible from care product manufacturer Toniq.
Tip: An additional drop of oil on the gear and brake cables helps to keep water away from them and prevent the cables from freezing. Alternatively, bikes with a belt drive play their trump cards, especially in winter use. The belts from Gates are characterised by their low maintenance requirements and durability.
Treat rust stains on the bicycle frame with paint
However, the bicycle frame can also be damaged by the salts. The paintwork or powder coating on the frame can peel off. The remaining dirt then significantly increases the likelihood of damage. Stefan Stiener from bicycle manufacturer Velotraum therefore recommends cleaning the frame regularly in winter as well as the chain. However, there are differences in the frame material: Steel frames show through rust when they are attacked. Problems are not so obvious with aluminium frames, but they can occur in the same way and, in the worst case, lead to frame breakage. "That's why it's important to repair paint damage directly, for example with clear acrylic paint. For more extensive damage, we offer the option of renewing the powder coating," says Stiener.
Clean e-bike motors regularly
The drive units of pedelecs, on the other hand, should be unaffected by the salt solution on the roads. The motors are generally waterproof and have undergone a salt spray test accordingly. Nevertheless, Steffen Krill, Marketing Director at drive manufacturer Mivice, recommends cleaning the outside of the motor after a ride on wintry roads. It is best to "rinse with lukewarm water and then dry the engine", says Krill, and warns: "Do not use a high-pressure cleaner!"
Check tyres for damage
That leaves the Tyres as the two direct contact points between the bike and the road. According to Steffen Jüngst, press spokesman for tyre manufacturer Schwalbe, road salt does not affect the performance of a tyre. Only if the tyre is damaged can salt get into the wire core and this could corrode. However, this is extremely rare. Patrick Laible advises that you should also pay attention to areas that are not obvious at first glance during the inspection, for example the rim holes could turn out to be weak points, as salt could accumulate there unnoticed and cause damage.
Puncture-proof tyres protect against defects
The Federal Ministry for the Environment advises cyclists to refrain from salting roads and to use grit and granulate instead. This grit also has consequences for cyclists, as the small stones on the road increase the risk of punctures. A high level of puncture protection should therefore always be considered when choosing tyres for cyclists in winter. "You should also look for tyres with relatively wide tread spacing. This means that grit and granules don't settle so quickly between the tread blocks and can't 'work their way into' the tyre surface so easily when riding further," explains Jüngst. He advises driving with all-season tyres, which have this advantage.
Source: Thomas Geisler | pressedienst-fahrrad
