At the best of times, the sheer force to which the chain, chainring and cassette are subjected makes them extremely susceptible to wear.

In winter, with grime, salt, grit and added rain water to contend with, they face even greater demands.

The mechanical heart of your bike is certainly the one requiring most maintenance, but how can you spot a worn drivetrain?

Here are our tips on identifying the signs your drivetrain is in need of some TLC.