Winter check for your Phatfour
Winter is approaching, and it’s time to get your Phatfour ready for the cold and wet months ahead. A proper winter check ensures your fatbike stays in top condition, even during challenging winter conditions. Here’s why a service check is recommended and what you can do to protect your fatbike.
Protection against cold and moisture
In the winter, your fatbike and its components are exposed to cold, moisture, and even salt on the road. This can cause parts to wear out or seize up more quickly. A service check thoroughly inspects and cleans sensitive parts and applies protective lubricants as needed. This helps prevent rust and wear, ensuring all moving parts function smoothly.
Brake check
Working brakes are essential in winter, especially on wet and slippery roads. During a service check, your brakes are inspected, cleaned, and adjusted if necessary. This ensures optimal braking power, which is crucial for your safety.
Keep in mind that if your bike doesn’t meet legal requirements, such as having properly functioning brakes, you could receive a €45 fine. Ensuring your brakes are in top shape is not just important for safety but also to avoid any fines.
Tire pressure and grip
Proper tire pressure is always important, but it becomes critical in the winter time. Wet roads and snow can reduce your grip, so ensuring your tires have the correct pressure is key for stability and grip. During a service check, we also inspect the condition and tread of your tires.
Chain maintenance
The chain is a crucial and wear-sensitive part of your fatbike, requiring extra attention in winter. Cold and damp conditions can cause the chain to rust, wear out, or seize. During maintenance at your dealer, the chain is thoroughly inspected, cleaned, and lubricated. This extends its lifespan and ensures smooth riding and shifting (for FLB+/FLS+ models).
If you have an FLX+ model, this doesn’t apply as it features a belt drive instead of a chain. Belt drives are low-maintenance and don’t require cleaning or lubrication.
Lighting and reflection
With shorter winter days, you’re more likely to ride in the dark. Proper lighting and reflectors are essential for safety. During a service check, we ensure all lights are functioning and reflectors are clearly visible. This helps you see and be seen by other road users.
Riding without lights in the dark can result in a €70 fine. It’s not just a legal requirement but also vital for your safety and that of others. Always make sure your lights are working and switch them on for extra visibility.
Tightening bolts and screws
Temperature fluctuations and vibrations during rides can loosen bolts and screws. During a service check, all bolts and screws are inspected and tightened if necessary.
Regular checks and cleaning
It’s not only important to have your fatbike checked at the start of winter but also to regularly inspect it throughout the season. Early detection of small issues can prevent bigger problems. We also recommend cleaning your bike frequently, especially after exposure to road salt, and lubricating the chain.
Our Phatfour dealers are available year-round for maintenance and service checks when needed.