Have you recently become an avid bike rider? Are you disappointed because it's almost time to put away your bike for the winter? By following proper maintenance techniques, you can actually use your bicycle all year long. Here are some tips to get you started:

Get a tune-up: Just like cars, bicycles also need a tune up from time to time. Take your bike to your local bike repair shop and have them check it over. They'll do things like tighten cables, replace worn brakes and adjust your kickstand. They'll also be able to install special winter tires, to help prevent skids. Whether you're in a car or on your bike, winter travel can be hazardous if your equipment isn't properly maintained. Your bike shop can make sure that your bicycle is in the best possible condition for the upcoming winter season.

Clean your bike: Just before storing your bike, give it a thorough cleaning. Check your local bike repair shop for bike specific cleaning products. For example, you may want to buy a gadget that's been created specifically to clean road dirt and debris from your bike chain. Dirt and grime can trap moisture from snow and sleet, causing your bike to rust much faster. Make sure to clean your bike periodically over the winter as well, to clean off further dirt and potentially damaging salt residue. Keeping your bike clean is an essential part of making sure that it lasts as long as possible:

Lubricate moving parts: Talk to your local bike repair shop about which oils or greases will work best during the winter. Depending on your weather, they may simply suggest a moisture displacement spray for most of your bike, or they may have a special winter formula lubricant for you to use. Putting the wrong lubricant on your bike can cause it to gum up or stick when the temperature outside drops below a certain point. 

Spray non-moving parts with silicone spray: A good water-repelling silicone spray or even an auto body wax can help ensure that salt crystals and other damaging particles are unable to stick to your bike. If you apply this to your bike, make sure to avoid spraying your wheels and brakes. Wax and silicone spray on these parts will make your brakes too slippery to stop. If you are spraying your bike with wax or silicone spray, lay your bike down on its side and cover the wheels with old towels. The towel will prevent the spray from going where it doesn't belong.