From BZ/dpa
Wet and slippery bike paths, early dusk – autumn is challenging for cyclists. This is how you make your bike fit for the cold half of the year.
Bicycle tires with a worn profile should now be replaced at the latest. The General German Bicycle Club (ADFC) Bavaria points this out. This is just one measure to make the bike fit for autumn and winter.
Also good to know for everyone who is out and about on wet and slippery paths:
► For more grip, there are also special winter tires for the bike. Unlike the car, they are voluntary, but according to the ADFC they can make sense. Because of their softer rubber compound and a more open profile, they don’t slip so easily.
► According to the ADFC, spikes are also permitted, even for e-bikes up to 25 km/h. However: Without ice, cycling is more difficult and quite loud.
► If you lower your tire pressure to the minimum, you generally ensure more traction. The respective minimum and maximum pressure can be found on the side of the tire in bar or psi units. It is best to use a pump with a display.
► The light on the bike should be switched on at dusk at the latest, preferably also during the day. Lighting technology that is as maintenance-free as possible is good: hub dynamo, LED rear light with parking light and LED front headlight, preferably also with parking light.
► Whether autumn leaves or winter mud – the lights, but also the rims should be cleaned occasionally. Otherwise, rim brakes will wear out faster. Disc brake pads should be replaced if they are less than a millimeter thick.