Frozen cables and broken batteries: Cold also causes bike problems

Firstly those customers who have frozen equipment. This has to do with frozen water in the gear cable, explains bike maker Beavers. Of course, that water doesn't belong there. “It's mainly about bikes that have been left outside a lot or bikes that have had very little maintenance.”

Hair dryer on it

The problem can be quickly and temporarily remedied by briefly holding a hair dryer over the cable. “The moisture that gets trapped is usually at the bottom of the cable near your pedals,” Beavers says.

Bicycle shop Van Beek Tweewielers from Hilversum also says that “many” customers are reporting frozen gears. “A hair dryer is the classic solution.”

Tumble drying is an emergency solution, says his colleague from Twilo. It is advisable to visit a bicycle repair shop later to spray the cable with lubricant. “Then you can prevent these types of problems.”

Another annoying problem is a battery that refuses to service. “This morning I had three customers come in with an electric bike that couldn't be charged,” Beavers says. It is recommended to remove the battery and try again at room temperature. “Charging below 5 degrees is not good for the battery. This is also mentioned in the manual.”

Bike manufacturer Hilversum Van Beek has the same advice. “If you have an older bike, a little more sensitive, that 10 degree temperature could be the killer blow. Then you say: this limit and no further.”

“Always store the battery at room temperature.”

It is always recommended to remove the battery from the bike when not in use when the temperature is below 10 degrees. “

Frozen cables and broken batteries: Cold also causes bike problems. “We always recommend storing your e-bike battery at room temperature,” says a spokesperson for Bosch, one of the largest manufacturers of bicycle batteries.

So, especially in the winter, and especially when it's freezing, it's a good idea to take the battery indoors. This is also what is stated on the Bosch website. “For winter use (especially below 0°C), we recommend charging the battery, storing it at room temperature and only putting it in the e-bike shortly before leaving.”

Bosch batteries have a storage temperature of +10 to +40 degrees and a “use temperature” of -5 to +40 degrees. Another tip: If you haven't been riding for a long time, it's best to put the battery away when it has 30 to 60 percent charge. This equates to two to three LEDs lit. When the battery is completely full or empty, it causes more battery wear and tear.

These are also busy days for ANWB roadside assistance. Last Monday, ANWB counted 5,300 reports around 5 p.m., a day when about 400 reports are usually received.

The reports mainly concern broken batteries, frozen brakes and locks.

Additional service

The ANWB has increased its occupancy due to the frost. “We have asked people who are not working if they can work an extra shift. Training and courses have been pulled, so that we have as many colleagues as possible on the road to help people who are having a breakdown.”

ANWB is once again warning motorists to prepare their vehicles for winter. “We see a lot of frozen doors and door locks. You can rub your door with a special rubber stick. Talcum powder helps too, as does lock defroster. But make sure it's not in the car, it's in the house.” The speaker advises.