MAINTENANCE

Ready for autumn and winter: give your bike the attention it deserves

Summer is almost over. Long, dry rides are giving way to rainy days, wet roads, and a chilly wind that sometimes feels like it's pushing you back. This means new challenges for you as a cyclist, and especially for your bike. Dirt, moisture, and cold are no friends of chains, bearings, or wheels. But don't worry: with a little smart maintenance, you can keep your bike and wheels in top shape, and ride through the autumn without a care in the world.

The weather and your bike: why autumn maintenance is so important

In autumn, your bike takes a beating. Rain washes sand and dirt into the smallest corners, while mud accumulates around the chain and cassette. Add the wind and cold, and you have a recipe for wear and tear.

Many cyclists think, "Oh, I'll just rinse it off and it'll be fine." But cleaning it incorrectly can actually damage parts faster. The difference is in the details.

 

The sensitive parts under the microscope

A few areas deserve extra attention during these months:

  • Chain & cassette – sand and moisture work together like abrasive paste.
  • Brakes – dirt reduces braking power, wet weather extends braking distance.
  • Wheels & bearings – sensitive to water and dirt ingress.
  • Tires – grip and comfort are crucial in wet months.

 

Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

  • Pressure washer → sprays dirt and water into the bearings.
  • Too much oil → actually attracts dirt and makes your drivetrain black and sticky.
  • Store wet → rust and squeaking parts guaranteed.
  • Postponing maintenance will cost you more problems in the long run and make your bicycle less safe.

Smart maintenance tips for autumn

Cleaning: how to do it right

A quick rinse with water isn't enough. Allow 15–20 minutes for a thorough cleaning.

What you need:

  • Bucket of lukewarm water (not hot water, as this will damage grease and paint)
  • Mild soap or bicycle cleaner
  • Sponge and soft brushes (one large, one small)
  • Old toothbrush or special chain brush for cassette and sprockets
  • Clean, dry cloths
  • Chain cleaner or degreaser

 

Here's how to do it:

  1. Preparation: Everything starts with a good start

First, remove all loose parts from your bike: water bottles, bike computers, saddlebags, and lights. This keeps them clean and dry. Ideally, place the bike on a maintenance stand; if you don't have one, carefully turn it upside down.

  1. Wetting without damage

Wet the bike with lukewarm water. Don't use a pressure washer directly on the bearings or hubs, as this will spray dirt and water into the bearings, accelerating wear.

  1. Degrease and soak

Spray the chain, cassette, and sprockets with a special degreaser. Also, clean your frame and wheels with a light bicycle cleaner. Let this sit for a few minutes to loosen any dirt and grease.

  1. Scrubbing and cleaning

Use a chain cleaner or old toothbrush to brush the links and gears clean.

Wet the frame with a soft sponge, working from top to bottom, and don't forget the hard-to-reach corners.

For rims and brake surfaces, it is best to use a separate sponge to prevent grease or dirt from the drive from getting onto them.

  1. Rinse

Rinse the bike gently with clean water. Use a gentle stream, not strong water pressure. Work systematically: first the frame, then the wheels, and finally the drivetrain.

  1. Dry and protect

Dry the bike thoroughly with a clean cloth. Pay special attention to the chain, cassette, and hubs. The drier your bike is now, the less chance of rust later.

Chain, cassette and sprockets

  • After cleaning: dry well and apply a thin layer of lubricant.
  • In wet months, use a “wet lube,” which will hold better in rainy conditions.
  • Always wipe away excess lubricant – a shiny, wet chain attracts dirt.
  • Consider waxing your chain: it will keep it cleaner and extend the life of your drivetrain.

Brakes

You're probably familiar with those squeaky disc brakes. They're handy as an improvised bicycle bell to warn other road users of your approach, but trust us: it's not supposed to be there. What starts as a "free signal" quickly turns into irritation and extra wear on your brake rotors and pads.

The culprit? Often a heavy rain shower combined with dirt and a greasy film. Rain washes sand and grime toward your brakes, and if a film of grease or cleaning fluid is also added, friction decreases drastically. The result: reduced braking power and that familiar squeak.

The solution: Always dry your discs thoroughly after cleaning and then treat them with a special brake disc degreaser. This removes dirt and grease residue and ensures optimal brake engagement.

Wheels and bearings

Give your wheels a gentle spin and listen carefully: do you hear any rattling or feel any play? Then it's time for maintenance.

Carbon wheels are generally easy to keep clean, and Autumn Wheels' hubs are well-sealed, minimizing the ingress of sand and water. However, no component is immune to wear and tear. Rain, dirt, and countless kilometers will eventually mean that even the best-sealed bearings will need attention.

The solution: regularly check your wheels for true alignment, for any play in the hubs, and for any unusual noises. If in doubt, it's better to have this checked promptly than to continue driving until the damage worsens.

Why this is important: Well-maintained wheels not only ensure smooth handling but also safety. Play or wear in the hubs can lead to less control in corners and faster wear on other components.

 

Tires: grip and comfort in wet weather

In autumn and winter, your tires are perhaps more important than ever. Wet roads, cold air, and slippery leaves demand extra grip and stability. With the right tire pressure and width, you'll get much more confidence and comfort from your rides.

Tire pressure

  • Road bike: in summer, you often ride at 6–8 bar. In wet weather, you can safely lower the tire pressure by 0.5–1 bar. This provides more grip and shock absorption on rough roads.
  • Tubeless: Ride a little lower than with an inner tube, without the risk of snakebites. Extra grip and comfort.
  • Cold days: remember that cold can lower your tire pressure. A tire inflated to 6.5 bar indoors can easily reach 6 bar outdoors. So checking it regularly is important.

Tire width & rim choice

At Autumn Wheels, the rims are at least 18mm wide inside and approximately 25mm wide outside. This means a 25mm tire will still fit, but 28mm or even 30mm is actually a much better match for this rim width.

Why switch?

  • A wider tire fits better aerodynamically with the 25 mm outer width.
  • More air volume = more comfort on wet, bumpy or poor asphalt.
  • Lower tire pressure can be used without loss of stability → more grip in rainy conditions.
  • Especially on cold, wet days you immediately notice that the bike feels calmer and more predictable.

Our advice: Are you still riding on 25mm tires? Consider upgrading to 28mm or 30mm. You'll benefit from more grip, safety, and comfort, without sacrificing speed.

 

Conclusion

With a little attention and the right maintenance routine, your bike will continue to ride smoothly, safely, and enjoyably throughout the fall and winter. Regularly checking and caring for your chain, cassette, brakes, wheels, and tires will reduce wear and tear and prevent unexpected roadside surprises. Don't forget that small actions, like proper drying and using the right lubricants, make a big difference.

Are you unsure if your wheels are still in top condition? Not sure what tire pressure is optimal? Or do you have questions about maintenance, tires, or other parts? Feel free to contact Autumn Wheels. We're happy to assist you and provide personalized advice, so you can continue to enjoy those autumn and winter miles with peace of mind.

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