Cycling Indoors? Here's How to Protect Your Bike

The Impact of Sweat on Indoor Cycling Equipment

Indoor cycling is a necessity during these darker and colder months. While it offers a fantastic way to train and stay fit, there's a hidden danger lurking in the form of sweat and its detrimental effects on your precious bike.

Sweat, while a natural byproduct of a good workout, can wreak havoc on your indoor cycling setup if not managed properly. Here are some crucial insights and tips on protecting your equipment from the damaging effects of sweat:

1. Sweat and Its Destructive Impact

Sweat might seem harmless, but when it comes into contact with certain parts of your bike, it can cause significant damage. It has a knack for seeping into various components, including bar tape, bearings, and metal parts, causing corrosion and rust. This can ultimately lead to the deterioration of handlebars, shifters, and other bike parts.

2. Towels and Sweat Catchers

To mitigate the damaging effects of sweat, use a towel placed over the handlebars to help collect and absorb the sweat as you ride. While you can certainly buy towels that are designed for this exact purpose, any old towel will do.

3. Inspection and Maintenance

Regular maintenance is crucial. After a full winter of intense indoor training sessions, it's advisable to inspect underneath the bar tape where salt accumulation is common. This salt buildup can be corrosive and detrimental to handlebars and shifters, necessitating periodic inspection and cleaning.

4. Understanding the Chemistry Behind the Damage

Are you ready for a science lesson? The corrosion caused by sweat is attributed to a galvanic reaction due to the electrolytic properties of sweat and the presence of different metals, such as carbon and aluminum, on the bike. This creates a scenario akin to a battery, leading to corrosion in areas where dissimilar metals are in contact.

5. Cleaning and Wiping Down Your Bike

After your workouts, it's recommended to wipe down your bike thoroughly to remove accumulated sweat. This is especially crucial for areas where dissimilar metals meet, like carbon handlebars and aluminum clamps, to prevent the creation of a corrosive environment.

6. Preventive Measures and Caution

Keep an eye on areas prone to corrosion, such as the bottom bracket, frame parts, and bolts where dissimilar metals come into contact. Regular cleaning and preventive maintenance can significantly prolong the life of your indoor cycling equipment.

7. Enough About the Bike, What About You?

In order to get the most out of your time indoors, pay attention to the contact points between you and the bike. Investing in a high-quality pair of men's or women's bib shorts designed for endurance and comfort is essential. Look for features such as flatlock seams to minimize chafing, a quality chamois suitable for your riding style, and breathable, moisture-wicking materials to enhance your indoor cycling experience. 

The design of bib shorts makes them superior to cycling shorts. The straps eliminate the need for a tight waistband, reducing pressure points around the midsection. This helps in maintaining a comfortable posture while riding indoors, allowing you to focus solely on your workout without distractions from discomfort caused by clothing.

 

Working out on an indoor trainer may not be as exhilarating as outdoors riding, but it can definitely be way more efficient. Use your time this Winter to maintain or even improve your fitness so that when you emerge from your pain cave next Spring both you and your bike will be ready to ink your name on some Strava leaderboards. Happy riding!