Electric Biking over winter

[moon]

Hi, I intend to continue commuting on my wisper right through the winter but am a bit worried about problems arising from salt/grit on the roads.

Is this something I should be concerned about?

 

[flecc]

The rock salt used on our roads isn't too much of a problem on most bikes due to alloy frames, rims and hub shells, many using stainless steel spokes and nipples, and quite high plating standards on cranks and chainwheels.

With bikes like that an occasional rinse of water or even rainfall will wash off the salt, and occasional chain oiling will look after that and the rear sprocket(s).
.

 

[Footie]

I don't commute but I ride in the winter
As flecc says, occasional rinse of water and occasional chain and the rear sprocket oiling (WD40) keeps everything ok.
In addition, I monthly lightly WD40 the exposed parts of the brake and gear cables.
I also lightly WD40 the sprung electrical pins on the frame where the battery sits to keep them clean and rust free.
One point about riding in the wet - It's a good idea to check the water tightness of the controller location. These can sometimes let water in but not out, meaning you can end up with an onboard swimming pool for your controller. May not be a problem with ordinary rain but salted rain will play havoc with your connections.
Mine lets it in and out
.

 

[Tim]

This will be my sixth winter as an electric cyclist. Most important things are gloves and eye protection. When it was really icy once in Cambridge I reduced tyre pressure by about 5-10psi, judging that might help prevent skidding. Seemed to work alright.

Oh yes, and charge your batteries indoors when the thermometer heads south, rather than in the garage or shed.

 

[Rad]

This has been a concern of mine seeing as a) I'm on the verge of getting my first e-bike, and b) It's pretty much winter already. Rain will fall, the temperature will drop. The weather will generally be unpleasant (though as I type this it's a gorgeous, crisp, autumnal morning outside). Should we be paying attention to any particular part of our bikes over the winter period? Controllers? Battery connections?

 

[Mussels]

This has been a concern of mine seeing as a) I'm on the verge of getting my first e-bike, and b) It's pretty much winter already. Rain will fall, the temperature will drop. The weather will generally be unpleasant (though as I type this it's a gorgeous, crisp, autumnal morning outside). Should we be paying attention to any particular part of our bikes over the winter period? Controllers? Battery connections?

If you don't ride regularly now you may be pleasantly suprised by how often it doesn't rain. I know London gets less rain than most places but the residents whinge about it far more than it deserves. In about 3 months of riding 3 hours a day I have put on a rain jacket once and then only for a few minutes. I find wind much more of a nuisance and is what makes rain or cold unpleasant, fortunately that's rarely high either and I can chose a sheltered route.
You are fairly likely to have teething problems with a new ebike, as it's all new to you each one will take a while to fix. As well as basic repair knowledge and tools a headlight (miners light type) is possibly very important for you as you won't have the experience to fix a puncture by feel alone.
Also chose your clothing carefully as it's easy to wear the wrong thing and make life hell for yourself, ask experienced people what they use and spend your money wisely. Ask a few people as some will say to spend £200 on a top whilst someone else will tell you a woolen vest is the best thing ever, then in the middle will be normal people.
I'm assuming you intend to commute on it as I can't see leisure riders buying this time of year.

 

[Rad]

Cheers Mussells,
up until May this year I was an all-weathers cycle commuter and believe me, if it was going to rain it would either rain between 8am to about half past or 4pm until about 5.

 

[Mussels]

Cheers Mussells,
up until May this year I was an all-weathers cycle commuter and believe me, if it was going to rain it would either rain between 8am to about half past or 4pm until about 5.

Sorry, teaching Granny to suck eggs.

 

[Rad]

Not at all mate, not at all. I appreciated you taking the time to reply.

Your point about lights is a very good one. I used to use a cheapo rechargeable halogen job which was just about up to the job on the country roads where I live. I'm thinking I'm going to need to upgrade as I anticipate going faster than I used to so need to be able to see more of the road in front of me.

As a side note, I saw on the local news (look east) this morning that Cambridge old bill are stopping cyclists without lights and giving them an on the spot £30.00 fine. Personally I'm in favour of that. I hate seeing cyclists without lights. They're a nightmare for car drivers and just help add to peoples frustrations with us.

 

[Mussels]

Your point about lights is a very good one. I used to use a cheapo rechargeable halogen job which was just about up to the job on the country roads where I live. I'm thinking I'm going to need to upgrade as I anticipate going faster than I used to so need to be able to see more of the road in front of me.

I had a similar problem as most bike lights are designed to let others see you, lights to help me see were very expensive. Good news is that you don't need to pay £200 as Hong Kong sellers are offering some quite good kit, I bought a single Cree Q5 cycle torch for £30 inc p&p from this guy on ebay and apart from a dodgy switch on the back it seems very well built. It takes 3 AA 2800 mAh rechargeables and I get about 2.5 hours bright time from a charge.
If you have money to burn and want to quality then the ayup lights looked very good for £150, you get a pair of Q5s and a 6 hour battery pack.
It's not easy choosing the correct focus you need, the ayup site does a good job of demonstrating the choices.

 

[Rad]

Cheers for the links. £30.00 sounds more than reasonable.

 

[essexman]

Cheers Mussells,
up until May this year I was an all-weathers cycle commuter and believe me, if it was going to rain it would either rain between 8am to about half past or 4pm until about 5.

See this year has been bad. Normal years it never rains on me when i'm riding. God, i assumed loves cyclists.

This year its done what Rad said. Its also my first year on the pedelec. Does God not like pedelecs?