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Cycling in the fall: tips for care, clothing and road safety

Tips
25 October 2024

Autumn offers a fascinating backdrop for cyclists, but also brings with it specific challenges. In order to navigate safely and comfortably through the colder, wetter and shorter days, certain measures are recommended. Optimal bike care, the right clothing and the essential safety aspects of road traffic during the fall.

Bike care in fall

Tips for maintenance and care in colder weather

Autumn weather conditions such as rain, wetness and leaves are very hard on bicycles. Regular maintenance is crucial to keep your bike in good condition and avoid unpleasant surprises.

Cleaning and lubrication

In the fall, dirt and mud quickly accumulate on the bike, especially on the chain, derailleur and wheels. Thorough cleaning helps to minimize wear and prolong the service life. Mild cleaning agents and a brush are ideal for removing stubborn dirt. After cleaning, it is important to lubricate all moving parts, such as the chain and gears, to ensure smooth operation.

A suitable chain oil is recommended for wet conditions. Such oils are thicker and offer better protection against moisture and corrosion.

Tire check and grip

Wet fall weather often means slippery roads due to leaves and wet conditions. The bike should therefore be fitted with tires that offer a deep tread and good grip. The correct tire pressure is also important: a slightly lower pressure can increase grip on wet roads and provide more stability.

Puncture-proof tires could be considered, as wet leaves, broken glass or sharp branches increase the risk of punctures.

You can read about the appropriate tire pressure for e-bikes in our article “The correct tire pressure for e-bikes”

Mudguards for comfort and cleanliness

Mudguards are an absolute must in the fall. They protect against dirt and splash water and minimize maintenance. Especially in wet road conditions, they help to keep the bike clean and protect the drive mechanism from mud. And last but not least, they also protect the rider's clothing from getting dirty.

Brakes and lighting

Moisture can severely impair braking performance. It is therefore advisable to check the brakes regularly. Disc brakes are ideal for wet weather, but rim brakes should also be in good condition. Worn brake pads should be replaced in good time.

The lighting should be adapted to the autumn conditions. Bright LED lights at the front and rear are essential at dusk and in bad weather. Reflectors on the spokes and pedals increase visibility.

Protection against rust

In the fall, it is crucial to protect the bike from rust. Moisture in combination with dirt can cause corrosion. Regular treatment of the frame with special bicycle wax or edge sealant helps to protect the paintwork and prevent rust. Wiping and drying after riding in the rain can also prevent rust from forming.

Care and maintenance of the company bike/job bike

Regular maintenance is also required for users of company bikes or job bikes, especially in the fall. Many employers offer leasing models that include maintenance. Lease a Bike, for example, offers comprehensive all-round protection that includes theft and damage protection, a free Europe-wide mobility guarantee and an annual budget for wear and tear repairs and inspections.

Self-responsible maintenance also requires regular cleaning, lubrication and inspection of the brakes on company bikes to ensure that the bike meets the requirements in the fall.

You can also read our blog article "E-bike batteries: innovations and optimal use ” with tips on care and storage.

Man with mountain bike in the autumn forest

Clothing tips for cyclists in the fall

How to dress properly

In addition to bike care, the right clothing is crucial for riding comfortably and safely in cold, wet and windy weather. Autumn requires well thought-out layers of clothing that protect against moisture and keep you warm.

Onion principle: the ideal layering

The “onion principle” describes the wearing of several layers of clothing that can be adapted to different weather conditions. These layers offer flexibility to keep you warm in the cold and prevent you from overheating when you are exerting yourself or when temperatures rise.

Base layer: The bottom layer should consist of functional underwear that wicks sweat away from the body. Synthetic materials or merino wool are ideal as they are breathable and keep the body dry.

Intermediate layer: An insulating layer of fleece or a thin softshell jacket provides additional warmth and should be breathable.

Outer layer: The outermost layer should be windproof and waterproof to protect against rain and cold wind. High-quality rain jackets or softshell jackets with membranes such as Gore-Tex are ideal as they are breathable and weatherproof.

Head protection

As a lot of heat is lost through the head, a cap or headband should also be worn under the helmet in the fall. Special, thin bicycle helmet caps protect against the cold without compromising the comfort of the helmet.

And you can find out why a helmet is so important in our article “Safety on your mind: why a bicycle helmet is a must when cycling”

Gloves and overshoes

Warm hands are particularly important in the fall. Windproof and waterproof gloves keep your hands warm even at low temperatures. Make sure that they offer enough freedom of movement to operate the brakes and gears without any problems.

To keep your feet warm and dry, overshoes made of neoprene or water-repellent material are recommended. These protect the shoes and prevent cold and wetness from penetrating.

Reflective clothing for better visibility

Bright and reflective clothing is essential in the fall. Clothing with integrated reflectors or additional reflective bands and vests significantly increase visibility at dusk and in fog.

Ventilation and breathability

Care should be taken to ensure that clothing is breathable to prevent heat build-up. Jackets with ventilation slits or zippers under the armpits offer the opportunity to dissipate excess heat while remaining protected from moisture and wind.

Safe on the road

Autumn weather conditions pose particular challenges, especially in terms of road safety. The shortening days, the often gloomy light conditions and wet roads require particular caution.

Visibility: the be-all and end-all in fall

As visibility is often limited in autumn, visibility for other road users should be maximized. In addition to functional lighting, reflectors are a must. Front and rear lights should always be switched on, even in low light.

Reflectors on the tires, pedals and clothing ensure that you can be seen clearly from different angles. In addition, small clip lights can be attached to the helmet or rucksack to increase visibility.

Risk of slipping due to wetness and leaves

Wet leaves and slippery roads significantly increase the risk of accidents. To drive safely, the following tips should be observed:

Reduce speed, especially on bends

Keep a greater distance from other road users

Brake early and evenly to prevent skidding

Fog and poor visibility

On foggy days, visibility is severely restricted, which increases the risk of accidents. You should make sure that you are always clearly visible by wearing reflective clothing in addition to the obligatory lights. A reflective safety vest can also improve visibility.

Defensive driving style

A defensive driving style is particularly important in the fall. Anticipatory driving and keeping a sufficient distance from other road users are essential in order to be able to react to unforeseeable situations. Cars in particular have a longer braking distance on wet roads, which means that even more attention should be paid to sudden maneuvers.

Cyclists in the city in fall

Autumn road safety on the bike

Autumn can be a wonderful time for cycling, provided that the specific demands that this season places on the bike and the rider are taken into account. With careful care, the right clothing and a heightened awareness of road safety, cyclists are well equipped to enjoy the golden fall days on their bikes.