Stay Clean. Stay Rolling. Stay Stoked.
Let’s face it — winter riding isn’t for the faint-hearted. The trails are wetter, the grime is thicker, and your bike takes a serious beating. But with a few simple steps, you can keep your ride running smooth, protect your components, and avoid mid-ride mechanical meltdowns.
Here’s how to winter-proof your setup and keep the good times rolling, even when the weather’s grim.
Upgrade Your Chain Lube Game
What you use in summer won’t cut it when the rain rolls in. Winter is all about durability — but that doesn’t mean slapping on the thickest lube and hoping for the best.
Here’s the lowdown:
Still Dry? (Lucky You)
If you’re riding in rare, dry winter days or under cover (bike parks, indoor training), you can just about get away with LinkLube Dry — but be honest, you’re probably pushing your luck.
✅ Low maintenance
✅ Apply straight on top of existing layer
❌ Not great once the trail turns sloppy
Most UK / EU Riders: Go All Weather
For typical mixed, loamy, damp-but-not-submerged conditions, LinkLube All Weather is the go-to. It’s super easy to maintain — just a quick clean with Foaming Drivetrain Degreaser, reapply, and off you go.
✅ Reliable in varied conditions
✅ Cleans easily
✅ Doesn’t pick up too much trail gunk
For Filthiest, Wettest Rides: LinkLube Wet
When it’s absolutely minging out there — deep mud, river crossings, non-stop rain — this is what you need.
Developed with EWS racers, LinkLube Wet keeps working all day, no matter how bad it gets. And despite its durability, it still cleans off easily if you’re using Foaming Degreaser regularly.
🔧 Pro tip: If you’re the type to over-apply or forget to clean, you might need the big guns — our XXX Solvent Degreaser — to strip it back once things get gunky.
Use Protect & Shine to Make Cleanups Easier
Once your bike’s clean, finish it off with a coat of Peaty’s Protect & Shine.
Spray it onto a clean cloth (never directly onto the bike to avoid brake contamination) and wipe over your frame, forks, and stanchions. It leaves a slick protective layer that repels water and grime, meaning mud doesn’t stick as much and post-ride cleanup is way easier.
✨ Less effort. More shine. Win.
Stick a MarshGuard On
Simple but game-changing: a MarshGuard on your fork keeps mud out of your eyes and grit off your stanchions. Cheap, light, and essential once winter hits full send.
You’ll wonder why you didn’t fit one sooner.
Final Thoughts
Winter riding is brutal on your bike — but it doesn’t have to be brutal on your maintenance routine. With the right lube, a decent cleaning plan, and a bit of prep, your bike can handle whatever the season throws at it.
✅ Choose the right lube for your conditions
✅ Use Foaming Degreaser for easy maintenance
✅ Finish with Protect & Shine
✅ Fit a MarshGuard and thank yourself later
👉 Ride hard. Stay clean. Beat the filth.
