If you’re an avid cyclist, it’s only natural that you want to keep your bike in tip-top shape. After all, riding a bike is one of the most enjoyable ways to get around. And when you’re out there biking with friends and family, it can be easy to overlook some of the smaller details. But taking care of your bike will help ensure that you get the most out of your rides.
Here’s a list of basic maintenance tips to keep your bike in good shape. Follow these steps, and you will be able to enjoy the benefits of biking all year round. Keep reading: Schwinn hybrid bike
Basic Training Bike Maintenance Tips
1. Check the brakes and gearshift:
It’s important to regularly check your bike’s brake and gear shift systems to ensure they are working properly. Make sure the cables are tight, lubricate the moving parts if necessary, and replace any worn or broken components as needed.
2. Clean and lube the chain:
Your bike’s chain is one of its most important components – make sure to keep it clean and lubricated. Lubricate the chain every time you ride, whether you need to or not. If your bike comes with a lube bottle, use it!
3. Check oil levels and change them if necessary:
Your bike’s engine relies on oil to function properly – make sure its level is correct and change it if needed. Most bikes will require between 1/2 and 3/4 of a liter of oil. Keep reading Pro BMX Bike Hacks that will Change Your LIFE
4. Check and tighten brakes:
Make sure all brake pads are properly seated and tightened, as well as the cables connecting them to the handlebars. Brakes should be adjusted regularly – usually every six months or so – in order to ensure they work optimally.
5. Inspect your frame:
Check for any dents, cracks, or rust on your bike’s frame before proceeding with any further maintenance. If any problems are found, have them fixed as soon as possible – a damaged frame can lead to serious safety issues.
6. Check your gears:
Your bike’s gears should be checked for wear and proper gear shifting – make sure each gear is engaging properly and that the chain is not frayed or tangled. Test out your bike’s gears by spinning the wheel at high speeds; if it feels Cassandra-like, then it’s time for a new chain!
7. Inspect your brakes:
Make sure the cables are properly tensioned and that the brake pads have enough surface area to stop the bike. Brake fluid should be replaced every couple of months or whenever it starts looking cloudy.
8. Clean your bike:
Make sure to clean off any dirt, debris, or grease build-up on your bike – this will ensure it runs smoothly and is free from rust.
9. Check your tires and wheels:
Check the condition of your bike’s tires and wheels – they should be inflated to the proper pressure, have no cracks or bends, and be lightly coated in grease (not greasy) for better grip on slippery surfaces.
10. Check your headlight and taillight:
Make sure that both your headlights and taillights are working properly – if they’re not, then have them fixed right away.
Respect Your Mechanic
It’s always a good idea to respect your mechanic – they are trained in the proper way to work on bikes and can help keep you safe while riding. If any problems arise with your bike, be sure to bring it into the shop for inspection and repair. You must also be prepared to pay for the work done, whether it’s a simple adjustment or a more extensive repair. The cost of a bike repair is sometimes worth it to avoid serious safety issues.
Cable and Housing Assistance
If you don’t feel like you can handle a bike repair, or if you just want to get it done quickly and without any hassle, consider using the services of a bike mechanic shop. These shops have staff members who are skilled in performing simple repairs on bikes. Such as tightening cables or replacing housings. It will often provide these services for free. If your bike needs more extensive work, however, then expect to pay for these services.
Cleaning the bike
Naphtha and brush: Cleaning the bike begin with the mechanical parts that must be freed from dust and dirt: a good brush and a can of naphtha can be more than enough for excellent cleaning of the mechanical parts of your bicycle. Soak the brush with naphtha, first pass it through the chain removing sludge and other impurities. Help yourself by turning the pedals in the opposite direction of the pedal stroke in order to pass the oil over the entire chain and inside the links. Clean the chain and move on to the other mechanical components: brakes, pedals but above all, pay attention to cleaning the front derailleur and rear derailleur.
Sponge and soap: Once the oil has been passed on to the mechanical parts. It is time to remove the dirt and grease. If you have the possibility, use systole to quickly rinse the bike; otherwise, immediately switch to the use of a sponge and soap. Do not be reluctant or fearful in using soap and water (ideal car shampoo). There is no risk of damaging either the frame or the mechanical parts of your bicycle in any way.
Oiling and departure: The last step, but not the least important, to be carried out once your bike is dry is the oiling of the chain: at this point, you are really ready to go with a perfectly functional and shiny bike!
Preventive maintenance
Once the bike has been cleaned, it is advisable to carry out some checks that can highlight any problems present on the vehicle. Carrying out small checks before starting your bike training is a practice that, if made habitual, will allow you to prevent many annoying breakdowns and will make your ride much safer.
Handlebar By locking the front wheel of your bike with your legs, check that the handlebar is perfectly symmetrical to the frame and wheel and at the same time make sure, by forcing the handlebar, that there is no rotation movement. If you force the handlebar to move, it is absolutely necessary that you tighten the bolts that connect it to the frame.
Brakes Fundamental for your safety: make sure they are pulled well and can guarantee you a good response to braking. Apply both brakes and try to push the bike forward. The bike should stop before the brake levers touch the handlebar. If it is necessary to completely pull the brake levers before the vehicle stops, it is advisable to adjust the stroke of the brake levers or change the pads.
Gearbox By lifting the rear wheel and turning the pedals, try to insert the various ratios making sure that they all enter without producing tension or strange noises. If there are problems with the engagement of the gears, try to oil the mechanical parts of the gearbox. If the problem persists, bring your bike to have it checked by a mechanic.
Tire On racing bikes with very thin tires, the risk of a puncture is always around the corner. However, with some attention to the condition of the tire, you can significantly reduce the risk of finding a flat wheel while you are pedaling. Spin the rear and front wheel of the bike and check that there are no points on the tire that show swelling, abrasions, or small cuts. In this case, replace the tire beforehand as the risk of puncturing would be very high. In any case, always carry at least one spare inner tube behind and all the tools you need to repair a puncture.
