Fenders are one of the most essential parts of a bicycle. There are several steps riders take before storing to keep this part of the bicycle in good condition during the winter. And, applying wax or oil is one of them. Yes, Of course, you can apply wax or oil to your bicycle fenders when stored in winter. But there is some disagreement here. The reason is that many times it is seen that due to the application of an excessive amount of wax or oil, the fenders tend to be damaged instead of good. And this is not what you want as a bicycle lover.
But I will help you to get out of this disagreement. Today I will discuss in detail whether oiling or waxing can be done or its advantages and disadvantages. As a result, you will be able to come to a single viewpoint.
Bicycle Fenders
A bicycle fender is a piece of plastic, metal, or other material that is attached to the front or rear wheel of a bicycle. It is also known as mudguards, mudflaps, and splash guards.
- Fenders are attached to the wheel forks, frame, and seat post of the bicycle. Also full-length or partial.
- And they can be either permanent fixtures or removable items.
- It is used to protect the rider from dirt, debris, mud, and water threw up from the road.
Types Of Bicycle Fenders
- Clip-on Fenders: Clip-on fenders are the most familiar type of bicycle fender. They attach directly to the frame and fork of the bicycle with a series of clips. These types of fenders are generally made of plastic or metal.
- Full-Length Fenders: Full-length fenders are formulated to provide the most protection from road spray, dirt, and debris. It can cover the entire wheel and attach to the frame, and fork of the bicycle. You can find it in a variety of lengths.
- Mudguards: Mudguards are a type of fender that coats the universal wheel and frame of the bicycle. It is usually created with plastic or rubber and established on the front and back of the bicycle. You can discover it slightly longer than full-length fenders.
- Skirt Guards: Skirt guards are manufactured to deliver security to the rider’s lower body and are usually made of plastic. They are constantly attached to the seat tube or seat stays.
- Chainstay Fenders: Chainstay fenders are made of metal or plastic. It is developed to safeguard the chain from dirt and debris. They are usually attached to the chain stay. Moreover, you can find it in a variety of styles.
- Disc Brake Fenders: It is a fender that is organized to suit the disc brake rotor. Also, offer additional protection from mud and debris.
Difference Between Bike Wax And Bike Oil
Bicycle wax and bicycle oil are both spent on lubricating and protecting various bicycle components. But most of the time, they serve different purposes and also retain unique effects. At this stage, I will tell you about the differences.
Bicycle Wax
Bicycle wax is a product that is used to protect and prolong the life of bicycle frames and particles. It really helps to reduce friction on the surfaces of the bicycle.
- Generally, it is applied as a thin film to metal, aluminum, or steel parts. And it provides a protective layer from water, dirt, and other road grime.
- It is a wax-based product that can be applied with a cloth or brush.
To get a slick finish and easily clean dirt, you can apply bicycle wax to the frame before every ride.
- It does not require frequent re-application and is relatively easy to apply.
- Bike wax assists to reduce the amount of noise created by the bicycle when it is in practice.
Bicycle Oil
Bicycle oil is an oil that lubricates the components of the bicycle, such as the chain, derailleurs, and many other moving parts. It is designed to reduce friction, wear, tear, and noise while cycling and help to extend their lifespan.
- When you apply bicycle oil you need to apply it more frequently. And it requires more time, and effort to apply.
- You should be more careful to use the right type of oil for the specific components on your bike. As some oils are not suitable for use on certain parts.
- It can help to protect against damage, water, rust, and dust from your bicycle’s moving components.
But bicycle oil is not designed to give the bicycle any kind of protection from the elements. So you should not use it as a substitute for wax.
Can You Apply Wax Or Oil To Your Bicycle Fenders When Stored In Winter?
Whether you apply wax or oil to your bicycle fenders depends entirely on the fender type, wax or oil type, and the type of place the bicycle is stored.
I will personally recommend not applying wax or oil to bicycle fenders when they are stored in too much cold winter weather. Because the extremely cold temperatures can cause the wax or oil to become brittle and crack, which can lead to damage to the fenders.
- As the fenders are exposed to the elements, the wax or oil will be washed away in wet weather. So that it may cause more damage to the fenders.
- Additionally, the wax or oil will attract dirt and grime, which also can impede the performance of the fenders.
Now we all know it is best to store your bicycle in a dry, cool place.
- Check properly that it is covered with a bicycle cover, which will help protect it from the winter elements.
- After that, you can apply wax or oil to the fenders if you want. This will keep the fenders and surrounding parts looking new for a long time.
If a proper wax or oil is used in the fenders, they can be cleaned easily even if it gets dirty later.
- However, if you store it for a long time, it is better not to use it. Because it may get dirty and rust.
- Also, if wax or oil is left on the fenders for a long time in extreme cold, it can become very sticky, which becomes difficult to clean later.
Applying Process Of Wax Or Oil To Your Bicycle Fenders
When you can apply wax or oil in the fenders of your bicycle accurately, then that will give you the best output. For your convenience, I am informing you about the correct application process.
Clean The Fenders
Start by wiping down the fenders with a damp cloth to remove dirt, dust, and debris. You can also use a mild detergent or cleaner to remove any tougher stains.
- Rinse off the cleaner perfectly.
- Let the fenders air dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Apply The Oil Or Wax
Once the fenders are clean and dry, it’s time to apply the oil or wax.
- If you’re using oil, you can apply it directly to a clean cloth and rub it onto the fenders.
- When you’re using wax, you can either apply it directly to the fenders or use a soft cloth to apply it.
- You can also use a brush to apply the wax or oil in a circular motion.
- You should cover the entire surface of the fenders with a thin layer.
Apply Second Coat If Needed
When the first coat is dry, apply a second coat of wax or oil. This can provide your bicycle fenders an extra layer of precaution against rust and disintegration.
Let It Dry
At this part, let the oil or wax dry completely before storing your bike in winter. This could take a few hours to a few days. The drying time totally depends on the type of product you used and the weather temperature.
Store The Bicycle
Look very closely to check the oil or wax for drying. After drying the coat, you can store your bicycle indoors or in a covered area for the winter. Also, you should cover the fenders with a cloth or tarp. This will help to protect the fenders from the elements and keep them looking new.
Benefits & Drawbacks: Applying Wax Or Oil In Your bicycle Fenders When Stored In Winter
Advantages:
- Wax or oil applied to bicycle fenders can enable protection against breakdown caused by salt, dirt, and other contaminants.
- When you apply wax or oil, it helps to prevent rust and corrosion. It also provides a barrier against the elements, such as water and UV rays.
- They are able to protect the paint and metal on the bicycle fenders.
- Maintain their appearance and performance.
- If the bicycle is stored in damp conditions, wax or oil can boost the fenders’ quality.
- Create a protective barrier against dirt and dust, preventing it from settling on the bicycle fenders.
- Wax or oil can also help to lubricate the bike fenders. And making them easier to clean off when the weather warms up.
- Bicycle wax or oil prevents most of the damage caused by moisture.
Disadvantages:
- Applying wax or oil to your bicycle fenders can be time-consuming and requires some effort in order to get the best protection.
- Difficult to remove from the bicycle fenders when the weather heats up.
- If too much wax or oil is applied, it can attract dirt, dust, and other debris, making the fenders look unsightly.
- Need to reapply it regularly, so it can be costly.
- Wax or oil may be difficult to remove and may leave behind a sticky residue.
- It may not be suitable for all types of bicycle fenders. Also, they can be difficult to apply to some surfaces.
- Can’t provide extra protection in extreme weather conditions.
- Some types of wax or oil may contain chemicals that can be harmful to the environment.
The Bottom Line
Wax or oil should be used sparingly on fenders before storing bikes in winter. Naturally, everything can have both good and bad sides. I have presented to you how to complete the entire waxing or oiling process, advantages, and disadvantages with all the detailed information in today’s complete article. And all this information will surely help in keeping your bicycle fenders in better condition during winter.