No Rust. No Drama.
Winter care for your ride
Autumn’s over, the city already smells like mulled wine — and half your friends have parked their bikes in the basement.
Shame, really. Because winter isn’t that bad. It’s just… more honest.
Sure, your bike needs a bit more love now. But in return you get quiet streets, clear lungs and that smug little feeling of being tougher than the rest.
Here are our top tips straight from the CycleLab workshop in Altstetten, for everyone still pedalling through fog and 3 °C — whether on gravel, city bike or e-bike.
1. Clean it — gently, please.
Winter sticks to everything: salt, grit, bad vibes.
It’s poison for your drivetrain — especially on e-bikes, where every layer of grime puts extra strain on the motor and battery.
A light drivetrain clean once a week is enough.
And yes, we know: no garden, no hose, small flat in Wiedikon — that’s fine.
Just run a damp cloth along your chain and wipe off the worst of the dirt.
If you can’t be bothered: we’ve got you. The CycleLab Complete Service picks up your bike, cleans, oils and tunes it — and brings it back 72 hours later, sparkling, winter-ready and smooth as butter.
2. Brakes — your winter ABS.
Rain, salt and dirt turn brake pads into sandpaper.
Especially on e-bikes: more weight, more power, more wear.
If your lever almost hits the bar before stopping, it’s new-pad time. Still riding rim brakes? Ridges visible = fine. No ridges = come see us.
3. Tyres, pressure & debris.
Zurich’s winter streets — especially around Kreis 4, 5 and 9 — are like espresso: strong, but not always clean.
So, check your tyres regularly and make sure they’re free of glass and grit.
Pro tip: lower the pressure a little. If the sidewall says 80–120 PSI, ride around 90 — more grip, more comfort, fewer flats. Works for e-bikes, too.
4. Lights on — because it’s always dark.
It’s dark. Always.(Okay, not Sweden-dark, but close.)
Your lights need to work — even after you accidentally left them on all night. Keep a backup set of USB lights in your bag.
And wear something visible.
Like the Reflective Beanies from moonandback.shop – warm, cool, and bright enough to make you the lighthouse of the Sihl.
5. Small tools, big difference.
A multitool, two tubes, a mini-pump — the basics you’ll hopefully never need but will love when you do. E-bike riders: add a puncture sealant. And a smile if you end up helping someone with a flat.
Don’t know how? Join our CycleLab Velo Basic Workshop on 15 January — also makes a great gift.
6. Salt & rust — the silent killers.
Salt sneaks into every bolt and bearing, eating metal and morale.
So, wipe your bike down after every ride.
And if you want to go pro, use a protective spray — it’s basically waterproofing for your frame.
7. Keep riding. Period.
Winter isn’t a stop sign, it’s just a different chapter.
The air’s cleaner, the city quieter, the roads belong to you.
And if you’re out there while everyone else scrolls — you’ve already won. Layer up (Merino, gloves, maybe that beanie 😎) and roll on.
Bottom line: No basement. No rust. No drama.
If you don’t want to deal with the maintenance (or you’d rather sip Glühwein), just bring it to us. The CycleLab Complete Service gets your bike — or e-bike — ready for winter. Fast, clean, no nonsense.
📍 CycleLab, Flüelastrasse 16, 8048 Zurich
🚐 Pickup & delivery across all Kreise 1–12
🕒 72-hour turnaround
💻 Book now: cyclelab.cc
