With parking lots full to overflowing and Rexburg’s infamous winter in full swing, many students at BYU-Idaho choose an alternative way to get to class quickly — biking.

Randal Flamm, a sophomore from Rexburg, unicycles to his classes each day because “it’s too slow to walk, and [unicycling] is a lot more fun.” The increase in speed and ease of travel can make life a lot easier for bikers, but winter isn’t so easy on bikes.

Moisture, road salts and cold temperatures all contribute to increased wear and tear on different bike parts during the winter months.

To fix the problem, Austin Hawkes, employee at Outdoor Resource Center recommended regularly cleaning and lubing the sprockets and chain. An old toothbrush can be used to easily reach sprockets. For lubing the chain, Hawkes doesn’t recommend using WD-40. Because it’s petroleum based, it attracts and holds onto dirt and grime. A synthetic lube, like Triflow, can be used instead.

Bike service is available locally at Sticks and Stones, located on Main Street in Rexburg. Services include major and minor tune-ups, which cover everything from difficult tasks like lubing the cables and adjusting derailleurs to things like lubing the chain and sprockets.

For more information on bike safety, check out the ORC or Sticks and Stones. Taking precautions will increase the durability of the bike.