Do You Need A Bike Tune-up During The Winter Indoor Ride Season? More Likely Than Not And Here's Why

With the proliferation of online training platforms, & our less than accommodating climate, we are seeing riders spending more time, & putting more mileage indoors on their bikes. Indoor riding presents a few wear & tear issues that are often overlooked. Luckily there are things that can be done to minimize or eliminate this potential damage.

Keep the Chain Clean & Lubricated

One common overlooked issue is lubricating the chain. Not all lubes are created equal, nor do they all have a common effective lifespan. A clean lubricated chain allows your drivetrain to work better & more efficiently, as well as can enhance the lifespan of your chain & cassette. Regularly wipe down the chain to pull off topical dirt & excess dirty lube, and re lubricate as necessary.

Tire Pressure

If you use a wheel on trainer, regularly check your tire pressure. A tire that is low on pressure will require excess roller tension to prevent tire slippage. Too much tension creates binding on the tread which results in heat buildup (and ultimately a shredded tire). Also, remove the tension on the tire after each ride to prevent the tire & casing from being deformed.

Of note, trainer specific tires are designed to grip the roller more effectively without the need for additional tension on the resistance roller. These tires are not necessarily designed to last longer, but to perform better with a wheel on trainer. If these tires are not properly inflated they will also see accelerated wear.

Headset Corrosion Is More Common Than You'd Think

Another common issue we see on bikes ridden on trainers is headset corrosion, & bearing damage. The headset is situated in a perfect collection spot for dripping sweat. Covering the headset helps prevent sweat from penetrating into bearing & cups. It is good practice to have the headset cleaned & reinstalled after indoor season.

Sweat, carbon fiber, & aluminum are the building blocks of galvanic corrosion. A corrosion treatment on the bike, including the frame, exposed bolts (stem, aerobars, seatpost, etc) & components can prevent long term damage to your bike.

Clean Or Replace Your Bartape

Lastly, your bar tape is not a legacy item… it was not intended to be on your bike season after season. It will become a bio hazard after a winter of indoor riding being saturated in sweat , so start planning for some new fresh tape in spring. (Think about it - most bartape is porous and absorbs sweat which contains bacteria. That bacteria sits accumulates and stays there ride after ride after ride. And you are riding without gloves indoors, right?. So, treat yourself to new bartape once in a while.)

For the motivated rider in our climate, indoor training is a prerequisite, but with some proactive maintenance you can minimize the wear & tear on your bike.