Raptor Ready: Winter setup
A few changes before the weather turns make your Raptor safer, cleaner and cheaper to run until spring.
Why it matters
Winter brings more grit on the roads, more punctures and fewer daylight hours. Setting the bike up once means less time cleaning, fewer stops at the roadside and being seen on every ride.
What you'll need
- Winter tyres. More puncture protection and grip. Our winter tyres guide explains what to look for.
- Clip-on mudguards. Made for race bikes without mudguard mounts.
- Lights. A bright front and rear light you can charge by USB.
- Wet chain lube. Or a drip wax if your chain is waxed.
- A saddle bag kit. A spare tube, tyre levers, a mini pump or CO2, and a multi-tool.
The guide
Swap to winter tyres
Summer race tyres are fast but thin. A winter tyre has a tougher puncture belt and a compound that grips better in the wet. See our winter tyres guide for tubeless and tubed setups.
Fit mudguards
They keep grit off you, your drivetrain and the rider behind you, and many group rides won't let you join without them. Clip-on guards fit with rubber straps, so there's no drilling. Check they don't rub the tyre when you spin the wheel and turn the bars.
Fit lights and use them
Run a front and rear light on every winter ride, day or night. For unlit lanes you'll want a front light bright enough to see by, not just to be seen. Put the rear on flash in daylight and charge both after every ride.
Switch your chain lube
Dry lube washes straight off in the rain. A wet lube stays on through spray and puddles. If your chain is waxed, stick with wax and top it up with a drip wax, as lube spoils the wax.
Pack for the cold
A puncture takes longer to fix with cold hands. Carry a spare tube even if you run tubeless, tyre levers, a pump or CO2 and a multi-tool.
Keep your Di2 charged
The cold drains the battery faster. Check it weekly and top it up before longer rides.
FAQs
Do I need a separate winter bike?
No. Your Raptor is built to be ridden all year. Set it up for winter and keep it clean, and it will be ready for spring.
Will mudguards fit my Raptor?
Yes. Clip-on mudguards are made for race frames like ours, with no mounts needed, and there's plenty of room around a 30mm or 32mm tyre.
From the workshop
Raptor owners can have their frame ceramic coated at The Workshop for £95. Water and mud slide straight off, so cleaning is much quicker, and it's a real time saver on matte finishes. Get in touch with our sales team to arrange it.
The Workshop, Barnes
Raptor owners get expert servicing at The Workshop, including 3 free services in their first year. Questions about your bike? Our sales team is here to help.
Get in touch
