lizcatd

I've been looking into prepping my bike for horrible Canadian winter slushy salty conditions.

Should I wax my frame? It's aluminium and it has a few scratches and scrapes that could be susceptible to corrosion. If so, any wax suggestions?

Also any thoughts on lube? I currently only have dry lube on hand.

I'm going to get some fenders soon before it gets really messy out there. I've already got wider tires and disc brakes so yay for that.

Is there anything else I should be doing to get her ready for snow?

mcours2006

There have been a few threads about commuting in the winter that may have some good ideas for you. You can do a search for them on the forum.

You don't need to wax your frame. The salt and slush isn't going to do much to the aluminum. It's the non-anodized parts of your bike that are going to deteriorate--bolts, chain, etc. You can just give them a quick wipe down after a slushy ride, or hose it down and let it dry indoors, if it's practical.

Winters in Toronto aren't too bad, and if your commute is downtown you likely will be okay without studded tires. But that's something to consider as well if it's a longer ride, and if it's near the suburbs.

How long is your commute? And whereabouts are you riding?

wolfchild

Don't worry about aluminium frame corroding, no need for any wax...One of my aluminium MTB frames has 9 winters on it and hasn't corroded yet and I don't even wash all the salt off that bike.

KLiNCK

You'll need a good, thick "wet" lube for your drivetrain.
Something like Phil's Tenacious Oil from MEC will do the trick.
Just make sure to wipe off any excess after applying.

gregjones

Here's a good place to start.

mcours2006

I've never heard of the need to 'wax' a bike. Car, yes. But not a bike. What would you use, like Turtle Wax or something similar?

What bike are you currently riding?

canadian deacon

I bike through the winters in Nova Scotia and don't wax my bike. I have never seen the need to do so.

A good wet lube for the winter is a must. For the past few years I've use a grease on the chain and replaced the chain in the spring. I used fluid film because it seemed to lube better than Finish line wet.

lizcatd

So I completely missed that thread... Thanks gregjones!

mcours2006

You could always do some touch up paint on the exposed metal area to protect. Just a matter of matching the colour.

Nice bike, BTW.

You'll have to regularly clean and lube your drivetrain, especially the chain, when you're riding in wet conditions. It's a hassle, but it's got to be done, not only to prevent corrosion, but to keep the drivetrain working properly.

irwin7638

Before Michigan winters I will wax the frame to help, but I use steel and need the extra protection from the corrosives the road commissions spread around. I also take the BB out and slather the inside with Phil's waterproof grease after a good cleaning. I use White Lightning Wet Ride in the winter and have had good luck with it. I clean the chain more often using a Park Tool chain cleaner and Zep citric acid.

Marc

mcours2006

I figure, since you mentioned that you had an aluminum. Still a nice bike. Just as well since the Rove is a steel bike, so you would have had corrosion as an issue.

jfowler85

Keep the salt off of your spokes.

SpikedLemon

It wouldn't hurt (unless you have a matte paint). Automotive waxes would work just fine to protect the hard parts of your bike - if nothing else: you'd be shinier after the wax.

HardyWeinberg

I just slobber oil onto my chain when it starts to squeak, then replace it in the spring. I always want to make it last until the rains end (July) but never can.