If you enjoy exercising on your bike, you will need to make sure that you are prepared for whatever might come while you are on the road. This is particularly try in the winter, while the roads are dangerous and full of potential hazards.
Be prepared! This is the motto of the scouts and it should be the motto for cyclists.
A broken chain as far as bicycle breakdowns go is not all that bad. After all the bike still rolls.
However, there are other hazards you may encounter that are much more risky, and require much more consideration. For under ten dollars you can and should always have a pump, a fresh tube, a patch kit, a chain-breaker, a 5mm allen wench that will fit your stem, brakes, and cranks, a spoke wrench, band-aids, and matches.
Other things you might want to carry in your repair kit include tire levers, some duct tape, a couple of bucks, iodine, and a power bar. If you use a water backpack then all the items can be placed in a Ziploc bag and put in the backpack.
A preferable way is to get a small seat bag and keep everything on the bike. This way you will always be prepared.
Winter is gearing up to rear its ugly head in the Northwest and the east coast. However, just because it is winter does not mean that you have to give up cycling.
It may take a little bit more motivation to get out and ride when it is cold and gray, but a good ride always does the body and mind good. In order for your winter ride to be safe and enjoyable you need to winterize your bike and your body.
It is always recommended that you ride with a partner especially if you will be going to a remote location. Winterizing your bike can be completed in just a few minutes and it will ensure that you won't get stranded.
As with a ride in the spring or summer, it is important that your bike be in good repair. Extra attention should be taken to keep it clean, especially the chain.
It is important to keep the wheel bearings, brake cables, derailleurs, and brake levers well lubed. Having good tires is a must for winter riding.
If you live in a wet climate, narrow tires with widely spaced knobs are best. In the snow a wide tire with widely spaced knobs is recommended.
Studded tires are very effective if you will be riding in snow or ice exclusively. You can make your own studded tires by inserting #2 machine screws through a tire.
Use an old tube between the screw heads and the inflated tube to prevent flats. In the snow, use a low tire pressure between 30-40 PSI.
Fenders are very useful for winter riding. They keep much of the mud, snow, or water off of your bike and your body.
Aluminum or steel fenders are best in extremely cold climate. When the roads are wet it will make braking harder and your stopping distance will increase.
On the road, leaves, manhole covers, and gravel can be challenging. Anticipate braking and be aware of turns.
Keep things smooth on the turns and avoid braking during a turn. Driveway lips when icy or wet can cause problems.
Enter them perpendicular to avoid slipping the front or rear tires. Bicyclists are not as visible to cars during the winter months.
Ride defensively! The days are shorter so use a front and rear light and wear reflective clothing.
On the trail in wet or icy conditions, rocks, leaves, sticks, and other obstacles become potential hazards. Braking when the rims and pads are caked with mud or snow is very difficult.
V-brakes stop much better than traditional cantilever brakes. Tread lightly to prevent soil erosion.
If you are careful, and plan ahead, you can ride through even the coldest months, and still get a great workout. After all, those with a true love of the road won't let a little snow or ice stop them!
Make sure you are wearing the proper clothing, as the wind chill will be a great factor. Now get out there and ride!
Author Resource:-
Ronald Pedactor is a fitness trainer. He has been coaching athletes for more then 20 years. He recommends the bestexercise bike to achieve your highest biking performance.
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