Autumn is slowly creeping in. But before it shows its wet and windy face, it's worth preparing now. As the saying goes, there's no such thing as bad cycling weather, only bad clothing. Alternatively, cycling weather is good or even very good, meaning you can ride a bike anytime, anywhere, and that's absolutely true. However, it's worth considering the condition of the bike you'll be riding. If you prepare well, cycling in autumn can be a real pleasure :)
Service after the active summer season
Servicing is a fundamental and crucial step for every cyclist. If you want to enjoy your two wheels for a long time and without significant financial outlay, service your bike regularly. This will help avoid unpleasant surprises and unnecessary costs. While some bike users assume they'll only visit a repair shop when their bike "gives up," it's still worth taking your bike to a service center after the active summer season.
Basic bicycle inspection.
Depending on your cycling activity and road use, it's a good idea to start with a basic maintenance check. This includes things like:
- cleaning the bike,
- cleaning/lubricating the drive,
- brake adjustment, derailleur adjustment,
- eliminating backlash,
- diagnosis and repair of damage that can be diagnosed without disassembling the bike,
- assessment of the technical condition of the bicycle,
- accessories and wearing parts
After such a service inspection, you'll be sure your bike is in good working order and you can continue riding it with peace of mind and confidence. If you live in Warsaw, we invite you to our service center on Skolimowska Street, where our technicians will professionally service any bike.
See and be seen.
In autumn, the days are getting shorter and the weather can change dramatically in a matter of minutes, so it's worth remembering your lighting. Check both your front and rear lights, because there's nothing worse on the road than a ghost cyclist hurtling down the bike path or road. Buying a new one or replacing the battery isn't a difficult task. There are tons of different types of lights on the market. Some are better and some are worse, but we recommend KNOG lamps. Why KNOG? Simple, because they're of excellent quality, durable, and also beautiful :). Of course, you pay for quality, but you won't get your life back if your lights suddenly fail on the road and you become invisible to drivers. That's why we recommend this brand and the lights available in our online store. Regardless, check your lights before every bike ride. For rechargeable lights, it's worth charging them, and for batteries, check if the light output is sufficient, as the lamps may need replacing. 
A "path" of water or mud on the back - something about mudguards.
Mudguards are another big topic. Some people don't use them because they make their bikes look ugly, but thanks to them, we can get to our destination relatively clean. It's definitely worth investing in mudguards, which can be removed if necessary if you decide in the summer that you don't want to "unsightly" your bike anymore. Unless, of course, you end up falling in love with them forever and they'll last you all season. By the way, the mudguards on our bikes look stunning :) True :) 
Tires
If you're taking your bike to a service center, the mechanic will certainly check the condition of the tires. However, if you're preparing your bike yourself, be very thorough. Good tires usually last more than one season, but it's still worth assessing not only the tread depth but also the condition of the rubber itself. Over time, the material wears out, losing elasticity and grip, which in autumn conditions—humidity, cold, and leaf fall—can significantly impact safety.
While you're at it, check your tire pressure. In the fall, when it's wet, you can lower it slightly to improve traction and increase the contact patch. However, do this in moderation – too low pressure increases the risk of a flat tire or rim damage. Also, remember that air reacts to drops in temperature, so tire pressure can drop spontaneously in the fall, so it's worth checking it more often.
So, before the season begins, make sure your tires are free of cracks, flats, or obvious signs of aging. If they look suspicious, it's best to replace them early. Fixing a flat tire on a rainy, cold day is the last thing you want to experience on the road.
Driving technique
When the streets are wet and slippery, it's best to simply drive slower. Countless traps await you on the road: puddles, which aren't always shallow, and you never know what's lurking at the bottom; rocks, mud, glass, or other surprises; and wet leaves that can feel like ice. You need to be more vigilant and drive more calmly to avoid problems.
To sum up
There's not much to say. A functioning bike and lights are crucial year-round. However, in autumn, when the weather is unpredictable and the days are getting shorter, they take on even greater importance. So remember this for your safety.
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