Getting through the Winter: Self Sufficient & Proficient

Winter is THE TIME to work on becoming a better and more accomplished cyclist.  No one is as fast in the Winter.  Large group rides are more difficult to find.  Weather and darkness make it difficult for many to get in a lot of riding outside.  That can actually be a good thing.  Below are several suggestions for activities that will greatly improve one’s confidence and skill.  These are things that do not require a lot of time, and that should best be done on a more individual (or at least small group) basis.

Become more self-reliant:  Free yourself for the need to wait on others for ride opportunities.  Remove some of the fear associated with riding.  How?  Do a bit of learning.

I hear this in the shop a lot.  I’ll be in conversation with a rider (and not always a new one!) and will hear one of the following questions:  “What if I get a flat?”  Or, “What if something goes wrong with my bike?”  These are good questions!  If the rider does not know how to handle a flat, or how to prevent problems and fix the more common ones, then they become emergencies.  The good news is, it’s relatively easy to do a little “Winter-work” and learn to downgrade those problems from “emergency status” to “inconvenience.”

Flats:  The 4 Part Solution

• First, run good rubber, and inflate it properly.  (Most flats are caused by under-inflation!)
• Second, watch were you are going.
• Third, always carry a spare tube, a patch kit, 3 tire levers, and a pump. (see note 1)
• Fourth, Learn to fix a flat.  (see note 2)

NOTE 1:  For general riding, pumps are the answer.  Save the CO2 inflators for competition.  Pumps are multiple use devices.  With inflators, you onely get one chance.

NOTE 2:  There are lots of videos and articles the internet.  Or, you can come into the shop and ask.  You can make an appointment for some personal, “hands-on” training.

Mechanicals:  The 2 Part Solution

• First, learn to maintain your own bike, or start having it done on a very regular basis.  The first approach costs less.  Good, regular maintenance prevents the overwhelming majority of on-road mechanical problems.  (see note 3)
• Second, Learn to fix the most common of the on-road problems.  (see note 4)

NOTE 3:  Minimum maintenance involves keeping it clean and lubricated.  Any shop will explain the how-tos of this to you.  If you wish to learn to maintain your bike, and do it well, take a class.  We offer them at Bicycles Unlimited.

NOTE 4:  You can “kill two birds with one stone.”  Take our “Mechanics Class” at Bicycles Unlimited.  It’s only one evening, by appointment.  We’ll teach you how to maintain, adjust, clean, and do the most common minor repairs.

We’ll talk more about this kind of thing.  We have in mind spending a bit of time on skills and techniques too.  What are the issues that keep you from being independent and free on a bike?