Care & Maintenance Guide for Winter Riding
Keep your bike smooth, clean and ready for every cold-weather mile....
Winter can be rough on bikes. Grit, rain and road salt get everywhere, no matter what you ride.With a bit of regular care, you can keep your bike running quietly and looking sharp through every frosty morning and muddy lane.
1. Wash more often and do it right
In summer you can get away with the occasional rinse. In winter, not so much.
Salt, grit and moisture work their way into every moving part, wearing down chains and bearings.
- Use warm water, a mild bike cleaner and a soft brush or sponge.
- Rinse gently to remove grime.
- Dry your bike completely before storing.
Pro tip: Clean your drivetrain separately using a degreaser and chain brush. A clean chain saves energy and prevents premature wear.
2. Protect your frame and finish
Titanium doesn’t rust, but your components still need care.
After washing, wipe everything down with a light layer of frame polish or protectant spray. It helps repel water and makes future washes quicker.
Check your seatpost and bolts regularly, and apply a small amount of assembly paste or anti-seize to keep everything running smoothly.premature wear.
3. Lube smart
Winter means wet roads, so switch to a wet-weather chain lube.
- Apply it sparingly, one link at a time.
- Wipe off the excess with a clean cloth.
Too much oil attracts dirt, which does more harm than good.
4. Check your tyres
Winter roads can be unpredictable. Go for a tyre with more volume and tread; 30mm or wider if your frame allows.
- Check for cuts and debris after every ride.
- Run slightly lower pressure for extra grip and comfort.
If you’re riding the All-Road, you’ve got plenty of room to play with. It has a maximum tyre clearance of 45c, depending on your groupset setup — ideal for swapping to wider, grippier winter rubber.
5. Keep your gears and brakes happy
Cold and wet weather can make shifting and braking feel sluggish.
If you use mechanical gears, check cables for wear or rust and add a small drop of lubricant where they enter the housing.
With electronic gearing, keep ports clean and dry, and check battery levels more often in cold conditions.
For hydraulic brakes, watch for a soft lever feel or any fluid around the calipers. If you spot either, book a quick service to keep braking sharp and reliable.
6. Look after your bearings
Headset, bottom bracket and wheel hubs all take a beating when water and grit get in.
If you hear creaks or grinding, don’t ignore it.
7. Store it warm and dry
After every ride, let your bike dry naturally indoors or somewhere sheltered.Leaving it wet and cold will undo your hard work. A quick towel down and a touch of lube each week keeps things running smoothly.
8. Book a mid-winter service
Even with regular cleaning, parts wear faster in winter. A professional service mid-season is worth every penny. Fresh brake pads, new cables and a deep-cleaned drivetrain will keep your bike feeling brand new through to spring.
Looking for the perfect winter ride?
If you love cold-weather miles as much as we do, you need a bike that’s built for it.The Gloria All-Road is designed for year-round riding stable, fast and confident when the weather turns. With clearance up to 45c tyres (depending on groupset), full mudguard compatibility and the comfort of titanium, it’s everything a winter bike should be.
So, where will your Gloria bike take you next?
Stay tuned for more exciting rides and adventures with Gloria Cycling.
