Cooler mornings, changing leaves and fewer brutally hot afternoons make fall one of the best times of year to get on your bike.
The only problem? The days are getting shorter, temperatures can change quickly, and the gear that got you through July might not be everything you need for October.
Before you decide riding season is over, make a few changes to your setup and keep those wheels moving.
Light Up Your Ride
One of the biggest changes in fall isn’t the temperature. It’s daylight.
Morning rides start darker. Evening rides end darker. Even if you don’t intentionally ride at night, having lights on your bike becomes increasingly important this time of year.
A good front and rear light setup helps you see where you’re going, but just as importantly, it helps other people see you.
If your lights have been sitting in a drawer since last fall, now is a good time to charge them, check their batteries and make sure they’re still doing their job.
Know Where You’re Going and How You’re Doing
If you’ve been thinking about adding a cycling computer to your setup, fall is a great time to do it.
Garmin cycling computers can help you keep track of your rides, navigation and performance without constantly reaching for your phone.
Prefer something you can use off the bike, too? A Garmin watch can make sense for someone whose adventures go beyond cycling.
You absolutely don't need a screen full of numbers to enjoy a bike ride. But if tracking your miles, finding new routes or watching your progress makes riding more fun for you, GPS technology can add a whole new element to your rides.
Check out our GPS offerings here!
Give Your Bike a Fall Checkup
You don't have to be a bike mechanic to notice when something doesn't feel right.
Before heading out, take a few minutes to look over the basics:
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Check your tire pressure.
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Look at your tires for excessive wear or damage.
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Test your brakes.
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Check your chain.
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Make sure your lights are charged.
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Listen for new squeaks, clicks or grinding noises.
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Make sure anything attached to your bike is secure.
Fall is also a good time to think about the parts of your bike that don't always get much attention.
Tubes, chains, tire sealant and other maintenance items aren't exciting until you're miles from home and suddenly need them.
Keeping a few essentials on hand can save you a headache later.
Don't have time for all that? Drop your bike off to us and we'll give it a once over!
Let's Talk About Your Chain
Your chain does a lot of work, and taking care of it can make a noticeable difference in how your bike feels.
That’s one reason we offer our Waxed Chain Club at Gio's Outdoors.
Waxed chains can help keep your drivetrain cleaner while reducing friction and the amount of grime that traditional lubricants can collect. If chain maintenance is something you've never thought much about, stop in and talk bikes with us. We'll help you figure out whether a waxed chain makes sense for the way you ride.
Dress for the Ride You’re Actually Going to Have
Fall weather likes to keep things interesting.
The ride that starts chilly can feel completely different 30 minutes later.
Instead of dressing for how cold you feel standing beside your bike, think in layers. Breathable clothing, cycling socks, padded shorts and other riding apparel can make a big difference when temperatures fluctuate.
And don't forget your hands, feet and head as the weather gets colder.
Comfort matters. The more comfortable you are, the more likely you are to stay out and enjoy the ride.
Make Your Bike Yours
Not every bike accessory has to be about performance.
Sometimes you just want your bike to look cool.
A different saddle, colorful bar tape, a fun bell, new bottle or unique lights can completely change the personality of a bike without changing the bike itself.
We are fully in favor of bikes having a little personality.
Make it bright. Make it weird. Coordinate everything. Coordinate absolutely nothing.
It's your bike.
Keep the Kids Riding, Too
Fall riding isn't just for adults.
A family bike ride is a pretty great excuse to get everyone outside before winter arrives, especially when the weather finally gives us a break from summer heat.
If your kid has suddenly outgrown the bike that fit perfectly six months ago, bring them in. Kids grow fast, and bike fit matters for both comfort and confidence.
We're currently offering 15% off kids bikes, plus a free helmet with the purchase of a kids bike.
That means you can get them on a bike that fits and make sure their helmet does, too.
And yes, they can absolutely accessorize.
Bells, bottles and other bike accessories are half the fun.
And When the Weather Finally Wins...
Eventually, we're going to get a day when riding outside sounds significantly less appealing.
That doesn't mean your bike has to spend the winter hanging in the garage.
Indoor cycling trainers let you bring your ride inside and keep moving throughout the colder months.
There are several different types of trainers and setups available, from straightforward indoor riding options to smart trainers that can turn winter training into a completely different experience.
We'll dig into those in our next guide but check some out here.
For now, take advantage of fall.
Check your bike. Charge your lights. Grab another layer. Pick a route.
Then go ride.
Need something before you head out? Stop by Gio's Outdoors in Smithville, Raymore or Leavenworth. Whether you're looking for a Trek bike, Garmin, riding accessories, maintenance gear or just need to talk through what would work for your setup, come see us.
GO Adventure.
