Winterizing

Getting on with some real cycling issues rather than the dreams of bureaucrats to create a cycling utopia.  I did some winterizing.  It was a beautiful Sunday and I thought I would like to spend time out riding,but I was nursing my back after pinching a nerve earlier in the week.  How did I do it?  Driving my car of course.  Apparently I am completely out of shape for my occasional car use.  I had to drive for an hour or more and get in and out of the car several times, and honestly, I can't handle it.  I'm not used to sitting for any length of time and twisting and squatting into a car was enough to strain a muscle and pinch a nerve ending.   I should probably go on a training regimen, like sitting for hours and eating, you know, like normal people.  

Anyway it's that time of year that I have to prep a couple of bikes for winter.

The main thing is removing the crank and bottom bracket.  During winter, that is the area that gets exposed to a lot of harmful, corrosive solvents used on Michigan streets. After touching up any damaged paint and wiping things down with Turtle Wax.  I clean out the bottom bracket shell before and after each winter season and inspect for any corrosion and rub the inside of the shell with Phil Wood Grease, I also spray the inside of the down tube, seat tube and chain stays with a rust inhibitor just for good measure.  I use LPS-3 which is a wax based, industrial strength rust inhibitor.  Most bike shops don't carry it, but I find it at a local Ace Hardware Store.  

After cleaning and re-greasing the threads, the adjustable cup and cartridge should screw in  by hand.  If it doesn't, things should be cleaned again.  Unlike a lot of people, I put the adjustable cup in part way before I install the cartridge.  I have found it easier to keep the cartridge square in the shell while starting it.  After the cartridge is in place and tightened I tighten the adjustable cup,

Replace the freshly cleaned crank and I feel good about another sloppy season.  I go through this with both The Hunq and Byron each year since they are the ones I rely on during the winter.  Now I just wait around for ice to form, add the studded tires and enjoy the winter sports.