Shorter days, cooler temperatures and rainy conditions usually signal the end of the season for many bikers. Whether used by touring cyclists, road racers, mountain bikers or commuters, a bike can quickly be forgotten about in the cellar or garage. However, a bike can really suffer without the right preparations for winter storage. Below, you can find the right steps for keeping your bike in good condition over the winter.
Do you go to sleep in your work clothes at night? Probably not, right? In the same way as we get changed, brush our teeth and apply skincare products before bed, a bike also needs a little TLC before going into hibernation for the winter. Simply leaving a well-used bike for months without the right care leads to the risk of damage. Conversely, the better a bike is prepared for the winter, the higher the value retention and easier things are when the season starts again.
For example, increasing the air pressure in the tyres to the maximum permitted is important. If a bike stands on flat tyres over the winter, the tyre carcass becomes damaged. The permissible pressure is found on the side of the tyre. If you hang the bike up over winter, reduce the tyre pressure to around 1 bar (or to around 2 bar on racing bikes). Incidentally, if the gears are causing problems or the brakes are worn out, this is the ideal time to bring your two-wheeled companion to the workshop and avoid the long queues in springtime.
The next step is a thorough clean with lots of water and soft cloths or brushes. If left for long periods, any remaining dirt becomes firmly attached. Dust and small stones can become lodged in the transmission and brake lines and block them. Once spring comes around, the only way of removing these is with aggressive cleaning equipment and agents that can damage the finish on the bike. It goes without saying that the bike should then be thoroughly dried to prevent rust.
Once clean, what is the best way of preserving your bike? MOTOREX BIKE PROTECT BIO offers ideal protection in wet and cold conditions. The new protective spray from the Swiss premium manufacturer prevents corrosion and the accumulation of dirt and dust in winter storage. A thin oil film provides the necessary protection, meaning your mountain, touring, racing or e-bike is quickly ready for the first trip of the year in spring. MOTOREX BIKE PROTECT BIO is also kind to the environment as well as your bike. The completely biodegradable product meets the strict OECD 301B standard.
The protective film is applied using a normal cleaning cloth or microfibre cloth. After shaking the 300 ml bottle of MOTOREX BIKE PROTECT BIO to achieve the optimum consistency, simply spray a small amount onto the cloth and apply to the elements you wish to protect. It’s as easy as that. Incidentally, the spray bottle can also be used upside down, which makes application even easier.
MOTOREX BIKE PROTECT BIO is suitable for use on the frame, forks and drivetrain, plus all chrome parts. Contact with the brake pads, saddle, tyres and grips should be avoided. Incidentally, it is also a good idea to apply the new protective spray before storing your bike for the winter as it offers perfect protection during autumn trips over wet, dirty paths. The difference can be seen immediately when cleaning the bike after a muddy ride, with dust, dirt and mud easier to remove than normal.
The care and lubricant specialist MOTOREX has clearly organised its bike range for easier use. All products are clearly marked with CLEAN, CARE, LUBE or WORKSHOP depending on their intended application. This makes selecting the right BIKES’ BEST BUDDY product from MOTOREX a breeze. From occasional bikers to ambitious sportspeople, there is sure to be the right product for everyone. BIKE CLEAN in the refillable spray bottle is the perfect solution for cleaning, for example. It is also ideal for removing the protective biodegradable oil film when preparing the bike for use in spring.
Back to the preparations for winter storage. The chain should also run smoothly after storage. First clean the chain with the BIKE CHAIN DEGREASER SPRAY from MOTOREX, a cloth and a brush. Then, apply a chain oil from the CHAINLUBE range from MOTOREX. First apply on the inner links and rollers, then rotate the chain to distribute the oil. Remove any excess oil with a soft cloth, then repeat the process for the transmission. Your bike is now perfectly prepared for the winter and a quick start in the new season.
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