Riding in winter
Winter is well and truly upon us here at Ride Bellerive, with dark and cold mornings and evenings set to feature for the next couple of months. For many Tasmanians, winter is a great time to get moving and embrace the outdoors. In this blog, we will share some hot tips to ensure you can get the most out of your winter riding.
FINE TUNE - BICYCLE SERVICE
If you can’t remember the last time you had your bike serviced by a professional bicycle mechanic, then it is time that you made this a priority. Bike safety is paramount, and an annual bike service will ensure that your riding safety and efficiency is not compromised by an underperforming bike. During the service our bike mechanics will check all parts and running components of your bike to ensure that it is operating at its best. This is important anytime of the year, but especially during winter months when wet and icy conditions can spring up unannounced and you need to be able to depend on your bike’s handling and performance.
ILLUMINATE - LIGHTS
Inadequate lighting in wintertime is dangerous and avoidable. As your local bike shop, we stock a good range of bike lights to ensure that your visibility is optimised. These include lower lumens ‘be seen’ options for riding visibility during the day, such as the MagicShine SEEME 30 TWINPACK, to more powerful options suited for night riding. These have higher light output to be able to confidently navigate in the dark - think night rides with mates in the bush with the MagicShine MONTEER 3500S, or early morning/late evening commutes in/out of town with the MagicShine RN3000.
GET A GRIP - TYRES
Have you considered making the switch to winter tyres? Winter tyres are for the main, thicker, wider, grippier and suited to winter riding conditions. We can even sort you with some snow tyres if you are feeling particularly adventurous!
Tyre wear is something to be mindful of at all times, and should form part of your standard pre-ride safety check all year round. Take the time and give them a good look over. Red flags include threadbare tread - where they are so worn the threads are visible; small nicks and cuts; bulging; flat spots; cracks on the sidewall, and tyre bead coming away from the sidewall. Use the same principle as car tyres - you wouldn’t drive with bald tyres as it’s against the law and dangerous, and the same goes with your bike’s tyres. In addition to adding to your safety, a good set of tyres will result in more enjoyment and better performance on your rides.
THE RIGHT KIT - CLOTHING
Pass me the gloves already! If you’re a winter riding enthusiast, one of the best pieces of kit to get you riding comfortably through the colder months is a good pair of winter riding gloves. Good hand and finger dexterity is important for safe riding - think effective braking and gear changing, and when the temperature drops your winter gloves will get you riding comfortably and safely. We have a great range of technical gloves in store, rated to sub zero temperatures for when the temperature really drops, with some key features to consider including temperature ratings, as well as wind and waterproofing. For Tasmanian conditions we rate the Giro Ambient 2.0 highly; the Polartec® Windbloc® backhand and cozy fleece lining will give your hands all the protection needed to handle even the bitiest of morning frosts in comfort.
In addition, high visibility clothing is a good option for winter riding, especially commuting. The Fox Ranger 2.5L Water Jacket in Fluoro Yellow at RRP $189.95 is our pick of the bunch as it combines great rain resistance with lurid visibility so that you will ‘pop’ on your daily commute.
TEMPERATURE DROPS - CADENCE RISES
Although the days are shorter, there is something magical about being in the great outdoors in Tasmania during the winter months. The cool tones of our beautiful natural world and hazy skies are enough to take your breath away in more ways than one! With these tips in mind, you can do what you love in comfort and safely. The only question remaining is - what are you waiting for? Get winter ready and head out for a winter ride today.
