How to Maintain Your Moda Bike This Winter: The Complete Guide to Winter Bike Care

Winter riding in the UK is a badge of honour. The rain, the grit, the wind - they don't just take their toll on riders but on bikes too. Keeping your Moda in top condition through the winter months is about more than just keeping it clean; it's about protecting your investment and making sure every winter mile feels as smooth as the first. Whether you ride a Titanium or Carbon bike, here's how to keep your Moda running perfectly all winter long.

Why Winter Bike Maintenance Matters

British roads in winter are unforgiving. Wet grit, salt and endless puddles can eat through drivetrains, wear out bearings, and corrode bolts faster than you think.

Even the toughest winter bike needs regular care to perform at its best. Fortunately, every Moda is designed with UK conditions in mind - featuring disc brakes, generous tyre clearance, and corrosion-resistant materials like titanium and alloy.

Still, regular maintenance is essential if you want your bike to keep performing flawlessly year after year.

1. Clean Your Bike Little and Often

A quick post-ride rinse makes a world of difference. Letting winter grime dry on your frame and drivetrain will grind components down faster.

Here is the best way to keep your bike clean:

Rinse gently with lukewarm water - no pressure washers near bearings or seals.
Use a biodegradable bike cleaner and a soft brush to remove grit.
Degrease and wipe your chain, cassette, and jockey wheels.
Dry everything carefully.

Why Titanium bikes are the ultimate All-Road Choice

A titanium bike doesn't corrode, meaning you can spend more time riding and less time worrying about rust. Even if you skip a clean or two, your frame won't suffer - though your components still will.

2. Protect Your Drivetrain

The drivetrain suffers the most through winter. It's constantly exposed to water, dirt, and salt which wears your expensive components down faster.

Essential drivetrain care tips:

Lubricate regularly with a wet lube - this lasts longer in the UK's poor weather.
Wipe excess lube away after application to avoid collecting grit.
Check for chain wear regularly; this should be replaced before it starts damaging your cassette.
Inspect disc brake pads - winter grit can wear them down quickly, ensure these are in good condition to keep yourself safe.

3. Keep Water Out and Parts Moving Freely

Water finds it way everywhere in winter. A little prep now prevents big problems in the future.

Add a light coat of grease or anti-seize to bolts, especially those on bottle cages, mudguards, and seat posts.
Apply a dab of assembly paste to your seat post and headset spacers.
Check that your bottom bracket and headset bearings spin smoothly and quietly.

If you're riding a Titanium Road or Gravel Bike this winter, you're already at an advantage - titanium doesn't react with moisture like aluminium or steel, meaning seized bolts and corrosion is significantly less likely to occur.

4. Fit Mudguards and Embrace Wider Tyres

If there's one upgrade that transforms winter riding, it's mudguards. They keep you cleaner, protect your drivetrain, and save your riding buddies from a face full of mud.

If you are interested in a bike with mudguard attachments and nice comfortable wide tyres, visit the Strega, the Molto (50mm tyre clearance on both) and the Grappa (33mm tyre clearance) for our ultimate winter bikes.

Running wide tyres through the winter is a top tip for a comfortable ride through the winter, this allows you to run lower pressures for more grip and comfort.

5. Smart Storage

Where your bike lives matters throughout winter. Keep your bike stored somewhere dry, away from condensation and cold temperatures. A covered garage, shed or hallway are the most effective ways to store your bike to prevent water freezing inside your bike.

Top tips for storing your bike after a wet ride:

Dry it off before you hang it up.
Shift through the gears to move water out of the drivetrain.
Give moving parts a quick check once a week (tyres, bolts, brakes and cables.)

6. Why Titanium Makes the Best Winter Bike Material

For UK riders, titanium is the ultimate frame material for winter. Here’s why:

No corrosion: Titanium doesn’t rust, even after months of rain and salt exposure.
Smooth ride quality: Its natural flex absorbs rough winter roads better than aluminium or carbon.
Low maintenance: A simple wipe-down keeps it looking brand new.
Longevity: A titanium frame lasts a lifetime — your winter bike can easily become your year-round companion.

7. The Moda Winter Bike Checklist

Clean your bike after wet rides
Lube your chain weekly with wet lubes
Check disc brake pads regularly
Fit full mudguards
Run wider, more durable tyres
Keep bolts greased
Store in a dry place

Enjoy Your Winter With Moda

Winter doesn't have to mean hanging your bike up. With regular maintenance, the right setup, and a little attention to detail, your Moda will handle whatever the British winter can throw at it.

Every Moda Bike is designed for real-world UK riding - strong, reliable, and built to be ridden year-round.

Whether it's your Gravel bike or Titanium bike that you choose for the winter, keep it clean and it will reward you with flawless miles all season long.