HOW TO KEEP CYCLING SAFELY THIS AUTUMN
Fresh air, colorful forests and often wonderfully quiet roads and trails. Autumn is a wonderful season to hop on your bike. At the same time, things outside are changing. Leaves cover the road, unpaved paths become softer and the days are getting shorter.
With a few small adjustments to your bike and riding style, you can handle this perfectly. These are our tips for continuing to cycle safely and enjoyably through the autumn.
1. Check your tire tread
Good tires make a big difference in autumn. Where you often ride on dry and predictable surfaces in the summer, you will now encounter leaves, mud, loose gravel, and soft paths more frequently. You want to be able to rely on the grip of your tires. Therefore, regularly check the tread and the general condition of your tires. Do you see cracks or damage, or is the tread significantly worn down? Then it might be time for a replacement. Especially on a mountain bike or gravel bike, you will soon notice a difference when the terrain becomes looser or muddier.
Good tires are also important on a road bike. More tread does not automatically mean more grip, however: the condition, the rubber compound and the correct tire pressure play an important role.
2. Play with your tire pressure
On a mountain bike or gravel bike, it is well known that a slightly lower tire pressure provides more contact with the surface and thus more grip. But even on a road bike, a slightly lower tire pressure can provide more control and comfort in the autumn.
How much pressure you need depends on your tires, weight, bike and the surface you are riding on. So don't just go extremely low. The correct tire pressure remains a balance between grip, comfort, rolling resistance and rim protection. Is your regular gravel route changing from a hard, fast surface to soft forest paths and mud in the autumn? Then it can pay off to adjust your tire pressure accordingly.
3. Look further ahead
In autumn, the surface can change quickly. One moment the bike path is smooth, a hundred meters later it is full of leaves, twigs or gravel. Therefore, don't just look at the piece of road right in front of your front wheel, but scan further ahead. This gives you more time to adjust your line or speed and reduces the need for sudden braking or steering. Especially on roads and paths you don't know well, a little extra margin is not a bad idea.
And keep in mind that you can't always see what is hidden under a layer of leaves. You sometimes only see a pothole, branch, curb or small animal at the last moment.
4. Adjust your speed before the turn
Good cornering actually starts before you enter the turn. Make sure you are at the right speed before the corner, so that you have to correct as little as possible while turning.
This is extra handy in the autumn. Leaves, loose gravel, mud or small branches can cause you to have less grip than expected. Therefore, brake in time, look through the corner, and then steer calmly and in a controlled manner. Can't see clearly what lies behind the corner? Then keep a little extra margin.
5. Leaves? Beautiful, but sometimes treacherous
Those colorful leaves naturally make an autumn ride extra beautiful, but on the road or trail, they can be treacherous. Not only because leaves can become slippery, but especially because the surface is less visible.
Try to avoid thick layers of leaves whenever possible. Can't get around them? Then reduce your speed beforehand, look where you want to go, and steer calmly. Especially in corners, you want to avoid having to brake suddenly or make a sharp steering movement. During this period, also pay extra attention to acorns, chestnuts, pinecones, and small branches. Especially on narrow road bike tires, these can cause an unexpected slide.
6. Mud? Keep your bike moving
For mountain bikers and gravel riders, a little mud is naturally part of the season. As soon as the trails become softer, it requires a slightly different riding style. Look ahead to where you want to go, stay relaxed on the bike, and try to keep your movements fluid. Hard steering or sudden braking can cause your tires to lose their grip. An appropriate gear and a steady pedaling motion help you keep moving through soft patches. And is your rear wheel slipping a little? Don't panic. Keep looking where you want to go and give your bike room to move underneath you.
7. Give your bike some extra love
Sand, mud, leaves, and other dirt easily find their way to your chain, cassette, derailleur, and brakes in the autumn. A little extra maintenance therefore doesn't hurt.
After a dirty ride, brush the worst of the dirt off your bike and clean your drivetrain regularly. Check your chain and lubricate it again when necessary. Reaching for the garden hose? Try not to aim a hard jet of water directly at bearings and other sensitive components. Check your brake pads, tires, and drivetrain occasionally. This way, you avoid discovering that something needs replacing only during your next ride.
8. Make sure you are seen
In October and November, you suddenly notice it: the loop you easily rode after work a few weeks ago now ends in the twilight. Good lighting is therefore part of your standard equipment in the autumn. Check that your front and rear lights are working and sufficiently charged before you set off. Going for a longer ride? Keep in mind what time it gets dark. Carrying a small bike light is not a bad idea anyway, even if you expect to be home well before sunset.
Ready for autumn?
Autumn might require a bit more attention to your equipment and the surface, but you get plenty in return. Fresh air, colorful forests, quieter roads and trails that look different every week. Check your tires, look a bit further ahead and give your bike some extra attention afterward. Then there is little standing in the way of a beautiful autumn on the bike.
Are you unsure whether your tires, brakes, or other components are ready for autumn? Stop by one of our CUBE Stores. We will take a look with you and ensure your bike is ready for your next ride.