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1st chain
If you don't maintain your chain in winter immediately after contact with road salt, you can watch it rust within hours. In winter, you should rinse the chain with water immediately after the tour and oil it straight away. Viscous oil, e.g. Muc-Off Premium Wet or wax adhere better in wet conditions. If you do not have a washing area available, you should at least clean the chain thoroughly with a cloth. Then apply a few drops of Chain oil and your bike is ready for the next ride.
2. spring elements
As soon as the temperature drops below around eight degrees, the suspension elements go into hibernation. The cold makes the oil in the fork and shock more viscous. To compensate for this, you should open the rebound and compression damping (if available) by a few clicks to bring life back into the unresponsive suspension.
3. mudguard
A mudguard not only protects important components such as the headset and fork seals from mud, but also the biker himself. A mudguard catches splashing water before it lands on your glasses and obstructs your view. The Crud XL Fender masters this task with flying colours without rattling and can be mounted without tools (30 euros, 193 grams).
4th brake
Are there winter brake pads? The assumption that sintered pads are better in the wet cannot be generalised after laboratory tests. The fact is, however, that both sintered and organic pads corrode easily due to their iron particle content. This impairs the braking effect. It is advisable to let the brakes grind for the first few metres until the usual braking performance is restored.
5. pedals
Flat pedals keep your feet on the ground quickly in slippery conditions to prevent falls. Flat shoes also keep your feet warmer. If you don't want to do without clickies, you should at least set the release hardness back to make it easier to get out.
6. tyres
The choice of tyres changes with the weather conditions. For muddy surfaces, tyres with coarse studs and a low tread density are ideal. This prevents them from clogging up immediately. The Baron from Continental or a Schwalbe Magic Mary perform well, especially on the front wheel, where good guidance is important.
7. frame
If you want to do something good for your frame, you can treat it with the appropriate care product (e.g. Muc-Off Silicon Shine) seal. After the treatment, dirt adheres less strongly and moisture is displaced.
You can find this article in BIKE 1/2020. You can read the entire digital edition in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or the print edition in the DK shop reorder - while stocks last:
Max Fuchs
Editor
