HOW TO GET YOUR BIKE SAFELY THROUGH WINTER
Winter in Germany. For many cyclists, that means slipping and sliding on sparsely cleared bike paths and side roads. But that doesn't have to be the case! With an adapted riding style and the right equipment, winter can't harm you on your bike.
WHAT YOU CAN DO RIGHT AWAY: ADJUST TIRE PRESSURE
In general, you should pay particular attention to driving with foresight in winter to avoid abrupt braking maneuvers and sharp turns. In addition, the right tire pressure is essential for proper grip on the road. By reducing the air pressure, you can provide more grip. This increases the contact area of the tire and automatically provides more grip. However, you should not go below the minimum tire pressure (as indicated on the tire sidewall) in order to prevent excessive wear or the tire from coming off the rim.
- Less air = More grip
- Pay attention to the minimum pressure of the tire
- Adjust the pressure to the total weight
- Too low pressure causes increased wear and can lead to the tire coming off the rim
WHAT YOU SHOULD AVOID:
Another important consideration is tire tread. In low temperatures and adverse weather conditions, you need to be able to rely on the traction of your tire. Treadless tires, such as slicks or semi-slicks, are not a good choice here. Instead, you should opt for tires with sipes, which provide good grip, especially on slippery surfaces.
WHAT REAL PROFESSIONALS DO:
SPECIAL TIRES FOR SNOW AND ICE
At the latest when the roads and bike paths are covered in snow and ice, studded tires are indispensable for safe cycling. Studded tires literally claw into the ground and provide plenty of traction - even slipping away on slippery ice surfaces is virtually impossible. Even with studded tires you should orient yourself to the recommended minimum pressure of the tire, because then the studs grip best. If you use the tire on open roads (without snow), you can minimize the running noise by using a higher air pressure.
- Drive with foresight and softly
- Avoid hasty movements
- Drive curves with wide radii if possible
- Avoid hard braking maneuvers
- Brake more with the rear wheel
- Lower the saddle a few cm
E-BIKE WINTER TIRES
The e-bike is the ideal companion in winter if you want to be on two wheels all year round. Its supportive drive is particularly helpful in cold weather and with thick clothing, because it saves you effort and muscle power and lets you stay cool even under warm clothing. Optimal lighting and reflective clothing are important for your safety: they let you be visible to other road users even in wintery morning darkness or early dusk. Your e-bike can cope well with winter temperatures as long as its battery does not get too cold - this significantly reduces its performance and service life. In severe sub-zero temperatures, you should not leave it outside for long or cover it with a protective cover. Even in winter, the e-bike is your choice of transport for the city? Do you want to take your e-bike on tours or ride through city traffic even when it's cold, wet or snowy? Then you need the professional support of a special e-bike winter tire.
MARATHON WINTER PLUS
YOUR SAFE COMPANION IN WINTER
Challenging weather conditions place special demands on the bicycle tire used. With the Marathon Winter Plus, Schwalbe has developed the ideal tire for winter road conditions, offering you maximum safety, excellent grip and high riding comfort. Wet, snow and even ice do not impress the Schwalbe Marathon Winter Plus - its special winter compound, siped tread and studs defy all winter demands. Thanks to its outstanding properties in the area of grip, even fast braking maneuvers or steep turns are no problem for the Schwalbe Winter Plus. Its SmartGuard insert offers maximum puncture protection. With its extensive size selection, the Marathon Winter Plus is also suitable for your e-bike 25.
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