As the days grow shorter, the weather turns colder, and rain and grit become the norm, it’s vital to give your bike some extra attention. At NipNip, we believe that winter is not the time to put your bike in hibernation – it’s time to prep it properly, so you stay safe, comfortable, and rolling all season long. Below is your winter servicing checklist, plus the key accessories we stock to keep you riding with confidence.

Winter Bike Servicing: Why It Matters

Neglecting winter care can lead to accelerated wear, corrosion, and failures when you least expect them. Moisture, road salt, and debris can attack your chain, cables, rims, and frame. A full winter tune ensures:

  • Brakes are responsive (even in sleet or snow).
  • Drivetrain is clean, lubricated, and free of grit.
  • Bolts and components are tightened (temperature shifts can loosen things).
  • Tyres are in good condition with appropriate tread.
  • Wheels spin straight and smoothly, with hubs cleaned and re-greased.

At NipNip, our bronze, silver, or gold servicing packages can be performed via our mobile, hub, or collect options, so you don’t have to brave the cold just to get a tune. We always recommend doing this service just before winter truly sets in (say, late autumn), but also mid-winter checks if you’re riding regularly.

Accessorise Wisely: Winter Essentials You Need

A great service is the foundation. But, to make your winter rides comfortable and safe, here are four accessory categories you should consider – and that we’re happy to supply when we visit.

Lights (Front & Rear)

Winter brings darker skies and earlier nights. A strong set of LED lights, ideally multiple modes (steady, flash, high beam) is non-negotiable. They help you see and be seen, especially in low-visibility conditions or rain.

Mudguards/ Fenders

Nothing ruins a ride quite like a spray of slush up your back, legs or goggles. Full-coverage clip-on mudgurards are a must, especially for wet roads, or commuter use. They reduce spray and help keep drivetrain parts cleaner for longer, too.

Winter Gloves and Apparel

Your fingers and toes suffer first – gloves designed for winter cycling (insulated, windproof, moisture-wicking) make a huge difference. Add bar mitts or pogies, thermal base layers, and overshoes if you’re commuting or riding in very cold conditions.

Winter/ All Weather Tyres

Regular slicks may struggle in cold, wet or icy conditions. Look for tyres with deeper tread, puncture resistance, or ‘winter/ all weather’ labelling. Some even have reflective sidewalls for extra visibility. A fresh set is one of the best upgrades you can make.

Putting It All Together: Your Winter Prep Plan

  1. Book your winter service at NipNip (mobile, hub or collect) before heavy winter conditions hit.
  2. Inspect wear parts (chain, cables, brake pads) — replace if near end of life.
  3. Add or upgrade accessories — lights, mudguards, gloves, tyres — ideally before your first cold ride.
  4. During winter, wipe off salt/grit after rides, re-lube drivetrain, and check bolts periodically.
  5. Mid-season check: consider a mini-service in January or February to catch issues early.

At NipNip, we’re more than a bike repair service — we aim to keep you riding through all seasons. When we come to your door (or you drop your bike at our hub), we carry quality accessories and parts to complement your service.

Don’t let winter slow you down! Get your bike winter-ready now, and ride confidently all season long.