McCreedie and Sampson both agree that – in an ideal world – it’s best to clean and lube your chain after every ride, though we all know time constraints and, after a long winter ride, the lure of the sofa and a slice of cake can dictate otherwise.

“Some people completely strip and clean the bike after every ride, some go for a quick hose and re-lube and some just put more lube on ride again,” says McCreedie.

“Or there are those who do nothing! The question is which of these individuals will ensure the maximum life from their chain and drivechain components and ultimately have the more pleasurable riding experience.”

A thick paste of mud, grime and road salt can quickly form on your chain during a ride – particularly if you’ve been exploring the small and quiet but ultimately grime-caked local lanes most cyclists love – and Charlotte Sampson of Dorset-based Muc-Off says it’s important to make a visual check of your chain after a ride.

“In the winter months it’s advisable to clean and lube your chain ideally after every ride depending on where you have been riding,” says Sampson.

She recommends using a degreaser and chain cleaner to give the chain a thorough, deep clean in order to ensure it’s sparkling before re-lubing.

But how do the demands of winter riding on your drivetrain components differ to summer?