If you live in Northern Europe and want your bike to get through the winter in good shape, washing - or at least rinsing - it after every outdoor ride is more or less unavoidable during the winter. With salt, water, and mud covering the roads, there’s really no way around it.
If you don’t have a hose available after every ride, make sure you at least have a bucket of water and a sponge or brush ready. That way, you can give your bike a proper soapy wash once a week and re-apply some oil on the chain. Of course, this depends on how often you ride. If you’re only riding outside once a week, you don’t need a full wash with soap every time - a good rinse will usually do the job.
Personally, I always like to add a bit of oil to the chain every time I rinse the bike, just to keep everything running smoothly for as long as possible.
If you live further south in Europe, winter conditions can be very different. Roads may stay dry for several days at a time, and in that case, you won’t need to wash or rinse your bike after every single ride. Depending on how often you ride, washing your bike once a month can be enough.
Still, it’s important to keep an eye on your chain and pulley wheel and make sure they stay clean and smooth. The same goes for your brakes.
Another important thing to remember when riding through the winter months is tire choice. Nobody wants to be stranded on the side of the road in freezing temperatures, fixing a puncture with cold, numb fingers covered in dirt and grease.
That’s why my number one tip for winter training is to always ride on proper winter tires. It doesn’t matter if they’re a bit heavier or if the rolling resistance is different. As long as you stay puncture-free in the cold, it’s worth it!
Enjoy your rides and have a great weekend!
Best,
Jakob