What can I do to protect my bike from the winter blues?

So I've been biking all winter all around Madison, WI where I go to school. I keep it outside and although I try to clean it as often as I can, I usually just don't have time. I got my fixie because I needed something that wouldn't break down, require as much maintenance, and always work at subzero temps. I didn't think I'd love it anywhere near as much as I have, and I have to say, I'm hooked. And because of this, I've started to think that I should take care of it alot more than I have been.

I hear crunching sounds a lot because of road salt getting thrown up into the chain as well as sand, etc. I keep trying to clean the chain, but as soon as I'm on the road it just gets dirty again. It's also a very tight frame, so stuff gets plastered on the back parts of the frame as well as inside the crank and the back gear.

How detrimental is all of this to the life of my fixie? Or can I just chill out and stop worrying? I'm new to fixies and to this forum, so any advice or tips would be greatly appreciated!!!

Thanks!

USe a white lightening type of chain WAX that goes onto the chain and dries hard (gummy) so that the salt and grime doesnt break it down as quickly.

Salt is VERY bad for bikes, it speeds up the deterioration of the metals...

tips would be:

any scratches in the paint get touched up ASAP to avoid air/salt exposure to the metal

clean bike with warm soapy water or simple green after riding thru road salt and dont let it sit outside directly exposed to the elements.

if you must let it sit outside, get a tarp or cover for it (even a scooter/motorcycle cover is better than nothing)

yoru parts are not gong to rot off the bike tomorrow, but these tips shoudl help it last a while longer perhalps.. good luck.

Clean it up nice once in your dorm room or wherever, let dry and spray lightly with yer 99 cent store vegetable oil cooking spray and wipe off any serious excess. Old mx tip, keeps mud off the undersides of fenders (especially important on quads) and when you get a chance to wash it again, most everything comes off with a hose.