The autumn season is a period of transition. Some of it is wonderful:
- the changing colors of the leaves
- the start of a new season for fresh initiatives
- the welcome break from the heat
However, this move comes with new problems for people commuting by bike. The weather might make it difficult for many individuals to continue riding their bikes as a means of transport. We also have shorter days, colder mornings and nights, and more cloudiness. However, the new circumstances do not have to be a deterrent; they are simply another opportunity to rediscover your footing on two wheels.
There are many reasons to appreciate fall: cooler temps, crisp leaves, pumpkin spice in almost everything.
Taking your electric bike out in the cool autumn air may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of summer coming to an end. However, there’s no reason you shouldn’t include it on your list, especially if you have an electric bicycle.
Even if your buddies are storing their conventional bikes until spring, you’ll never have to worry about missing out on the trail.
Here are a few ideas for improving your autumn rides:
Choose the appropriate attire
Fall fashion is all about layering and bundling. You can finally wear lovely scarves, boots and rock that flannel without feeling like you’re at a peak-grunge Pearl Jam event.
Regarding autumn biking, the same rules apply: be dry, warm, and comfortable.
Take care of the fundamentals. Get a good pair of gloves to keep your fingertips warm on early morning rides. Insert a thermal liner beneath your helmet. Ear warmers can save your life.
Preparing for fall also entails preparing for wetter weather. Choose a jacket with Velcro cuffs to preserve a watertight seal around your wrists. Rain pants are also essential, and a great tip here is to get bigger so that the pants don’t lift over the gap in your shoe and drop water down your ankles while you pedal. However, don’t go too big or you risk getting fabric trapped in the drivetrain.
Take care of your tires
Riding through leaves and mud puddles may spoil your ride by dirtying your bikes, especially if any of the gunk gets into your wheels. They also provide a hazard by concealing potholes, drains, rocks, or any other protruding item from the ground. Even though they seem dry on the surface, the ones beneath the earth are most likely damp, which may produce traction problems immediately.
Install front and rear fenders on your bike (and your shoes and clothes) before the rainy season begins. It’s also a good idea to monitor tire pressure. As the temperature outside decreases, so does your PSI, especially if you park your bike on cold concrete.
Maintain your chain
The chain is one of the most vulnerable parts of your bike to seasonal changes. It dries out faster in the fall than in the summer, so keep it properly oiled.
Fortunately, some ebikes don’t require any special lubricant. You can get away with a regular lubricant, but if you’re in a very wet place, don’t be afraid to go for the heavier stuff.
If you prefer to tackle it alone, pass your chain through a cloth or an old T-shirt to absorb any excess after application. If you keep it on too long, you’ll notice it as you pedal. You’ll hear it if you apply too little. The less noise there is, the better.
Feather the brakes
If you’re riding in the rain and your bike has rim brakes (brakes that rub on the rim to stop you), you’ve undoubtedly had a scary experience when you can’t stop quickly enough, no matter how hard you squeeze the brake lever. The easiest way to deal with this is to keep feathering the brakes on and off until you feel them start to grip. By feathering the brakes, you help remove the water and debris that prevents the brake pads from engaging the rim efficiently. You’ll be shocked at how effective this is!
Maintain your visibility
As the days become shorter and shorter, we must remember to be more visible than ever—shorter days result in earlier and darker evenings. Purchase strong front and rear lights for your bike. And, with so many fantastic clothing options with modest reflective striping on the market, it’s never been easier to include a little reflective striping into your wardrobe.
Keep your vision clear
Rain may get in our eyes and hamper our vision, not to mention be annoying! Consider wearing glasses with transparent or light lenses to keep the rain out of your eyes. If you don’t like glasses or find the drops on the lenses more distracting than the rain, consider a helmet with a visor or a good old-fashioned baseball cap.
Check the weather
The first thing we notice in fall is the length of the days: daylight hours shorten, and our bike rides must fit within the hours of light available. Before planning your trip, checking the sunrise and sunset hours ensures that you maximize your daylight and avoid riding home in the dark. Knowing the weather forecast might also help you prepare for what to anticipate on your ride. Should you put on a raincoat or an additional layer of clothing? Do you have another path in mind?
Wear layered clothes and waterproof shoes
As the seasons change, it is hard to forecast what the weather will be like on any given day. It might rain and be chilly in the morning, warm and dry in the afternoon, then cold again in the evening. Wearing layers helps you to be more adaptable to the day’s events. It keeps you comfortable when traveling in any weather. Layers should be readily worn when it’s chilly and removed when it’s warm. Carry a couple of extra garments in your backpack on warm mornings if you get a sudden cold while sightseeing. Arm and leg warmers, lightweight or waterproof gloves, and a windproof jacket are recommended.
Autumn is a lovely time to ride your electric bike and go on exciting adventures while enjoying mild temperatures and beautiful colors. Following these guidelines, make the most of your ebike trips, and have fun!
You may be interested in: Hybrid Biking – Beginners Guide