Winter Riding Kit: Lights, Layers and Tyres

Winter riding is rewarding if you are prepared. Short days, wet roots and cold hands change what you need on the bike and on your body.

Lighting A strong front light such as the Exposure Strada Mk14 or Lezyne Macro Drive 1300 helps you see technical terrain, while a rear radar light such as the Garmin Varia RCT715 improves visibility on road sections.

Clothing A waterproof jacket, such as the Rapha Trail Jacket or Pearl Izumi Summit Jacket, with layers beneath, keeps you warm. Protect hands with insulated gloves and keep spare layers in your pack.

Tyres and setup Soft, aggressive tyres, such as the Maxxis Assegai 3C MaxxGrip or Schwalbe Magic Mary Super Gravity, help in mud. Use wet lube and wipe the chain regularly.

Bike care Wash the bike after muddy rides and check brake pads, as winter grit wears them quickly.

Prepare for cold, wet conditions Choose lights with enough output for long dark rides, carry a spare light, wear layers you can add or remove and consider softer tyre compounds for wet roots. Clean and lubricate the bike after every ride, since mud and salt wear components quickly.

When to visit a mechanic Some jobs need special tools or experience, such as bleeding brakes, pressing bearings or servicing suspension. A professional can complete them quickly and safely, and may spot other issues. There is no shame in asking for help, particularly while a product is still under warranty.

Make it part of a routine Small, regular checks are easier than big repairs. Wipe down and inspect the bike after wet or muddy rides, check pressures and bolts before each outing and set aside time each month for deeper maintenance. A routine keeps the bike reliable and your rides stress-free.

Clean before you inspect A clean bike reveals problems that dirt hides, such as cracks, loose bolts, leaking seals and worn parts. Wash gently with a soft brush and bike-specific cleaner, avoid pointing a pressure washer at bearings or seals and dry the bike before lubricating moving parts.

Use the right lubricant in the right place Chain lube, suspension grease, assembly paste and brake fluid are not interchangeable. Using the wrong product can attract dirt, degrade seals or contaminate brakes. Check the manufacturer's recommendation for each part and apply sparingly, wiping away any excess.

Check consumables regularly Brake pads, chains, tyres, cables and sealant all wear out. Inspect them on a regular schedule and replace them before they fail. Replacing a worn part early is almost always cheaper than repairing the damage a failed one can cause.

Tools and preparation Gather everything you need before you start: the right tools, a torque wrench, a clean workspace, a bike stand if you have one and the manufacturer's instructions. Working methodically and tightening bolts to the specified torque prevents damage and makes the job far less stressful.

Safety first Brakes, bolts and steering parts are safety-critical. After any work, check that everything is tight and moves correctly, test the brakes before you move, and take a short, gentle ride before attempting a full trail. If anything feels wrong, stop and investigate.

Also consider

• Magicshine Monteer 6500S (Magicshine): £134, rated 4.5. High-output front light.