Fitting the mudguard

A small splash guard under the saddle or on the seat post: this prevents a soaked backside and significantly increases the fun on icy rides. The same applies to a fender on the fork, which helps to keep hands and feet dry and warm.

Fiat Lux

The days in the middle of winter are so short that you almost only get out on the trails with a light on weekdays. It's worth investing in a high-quality headlamp or handlebar lamp. Not only can you still get out on your bike after five o'clock in the afternoon, but you can also experience your home trail in a whole new way. If you want perfect illumination, combine the headlamp with the handlebar lamp. Of course, don't forget the rear light.

Wear

Waterproof, breathable, with lots of ventilation openings and based on the onion principle - that's how winter clothing should be. To go biking in winter, you can also raid your wardrobe for skiing, cross-country skiing or simply for walks in the snow. If you combine this with classic cycling gear, you can get out and about relatively easily without having to invest in new items. However, bike shoes that are warm enough for frosty temperatures are essential. With normal bike shoes, you won't have to wait long for the "cow nails".

Drop the salt spray

If you have ridden your bike on salted roads, you should take this tip to heart: Get off the salt spray! Now that the garden hose is switched off, use a water bottle or watering can to pour a good load of water over the frame, wheels and especially the drivetrain. This washes away the aggressive salt load and prevents rust and squeaking chains. Afterwards, be sure to place the bike in a warm place so that the water can evaporate. Or only carry out this procedure when the temperatures are above freezing point.

The choice of tires

When it comes to tires, you can make a real science out of it - or keep it short: In winter, chunky tires prove their worth; fine treads are quickly overwhelmed by leaves, mud, ice and snow. It is also worth checking whether the puncture protection milk is still liquid or already dried out when using tubeless tires. There is even tubeless milk that is optimized for use in frosty temperatures.

Summit drink

A thermos flask with a hot drink is the perfect soul warmer for a long, icy tour. Or an insulated bidon is recommended, because when it's really cold, the thirst quencher in a normal bidon freezes subito.

Fat biking

The big fatbike hype is over, but the bikes with the huge wheels are still the perfect companions for having lots of traction and fun in snow and mud. You also need a lot of muscle in your thighs to crank the fat tires up the hill: This is perfect winter training; after a fat bike winter, the trail file almost feels like a racing bike. Alternatively, a gravel bike can also motivate you to keep cranking hard in winter.