The most neglected aspect of cycling is the maintenance required to keep your bike in top condition.
It may seem discouraging and stressful, but learning these basic bike maintenance tips will help you continually. You will begin to understand how your bike works, you will be able to make basic adjustments and repairs, and you will know when certain parts need to be repaired or replaced.
Going to your local bike shop to get your bike serviced frequently isn’t bad, but regular care and attention to keeping it in good condition will also help.
Don’t worry if you’re not a mechanic, there are a few basic steps you can take before every ride to ensure a smooth riding experience wherever you are.
Before every ride, a quick check of the major components (air, brakes, chain, and quick release) can take less than a minute when working correctly, and if something goes wrong you’ll thank yourself for spotting it before it falls off the road or trail.
Occasionally inspect the bike for dents, cracks, and other structural damage, particularly under the bike where the road or trail debris will hit it. It’s also a good idea to wipe down your bike with a rag occasionally, give it a deep clean every few months if you ride it a lot, and check each bolt for tightness whenever you can.
If you have parked your bike in a public place for a long period, you should quickly check it, paying particular attention to the quick-release fasteners. Ideally, your bike will be exactly as you left it, but it’s possible someone else tampered with it and loosened it a bit.
So, Here are the 5 important ways to maintain your bike
1. Tidy up Your Bike.
Tidying up your bike keeps your bike running smoothly and reduces component wear, saving you premature part replacements or extra trips to the bike shop. Mud, salt, and gravel on roads and trails will damage drive train components if care is not taken.
Tidying up your bike might seem like a chore, but it doesn’t have to be too much of a chore. You can do this at the end of your commute before heading out again to get rid of work.
It is recommended to tidy up the bike at least once a week in dry seasons and after every ride in rainy seasons.
Commence by making the bike wet with a bucket and sponge or even a hose. Begin by cleaning the chain with a special degreaser that typically takes three to five minutes to act on. While you wait, you can clean the rest of the bike with a special bike cleaner before getting back to the chain. When you’re done, dry the bike and apply some chain oil to keep it running smoothly.
2. Tightening nuts and bolts.
Bike components are held together by bolts and nuts, so it’s important to check these areas during your weekly inspection. You want the pieces held together not too tight, but not too loose either. Over-tightening will result in a noisy bike that threatens to collapse, while over-tightening can physically damage parts. A well-adjusted bike is a quieter and safer bike. A bike that falls apart while riding is rare but extremely dangerous. If your bike squeaks or won’t run, carefully check each nut and bolt to make sure they are properly tightened, especially on both wheel axles. It should also be part of your daily safety check or before a long bike adventure.
3. Be sure to have the correct tools.
Having the correct tools to repair your bike is the first step in servicing your bike.
Some bike maintenance can be done with everyday tools like Allen wrenches. Other jobs require special tools or are just a lot easier if you have a tool specifically designed for working on the bike.
We always recommend investing in higher-quality tools to make maintenance as painless as possible and to minimize the risk of screw rounding.
The multi-tool is useful for driving and basic household adjustments, but it lacks the leverage needed for some tasks.
Another alternative is to buy one of the perfect bike tool kits. They often include most of the tools you need, although you’ll need to purchase some separately, such as a torque wrench.
4. Have your bike repaired.
There’s not much you can do at home, and while it’s important to learn the basics of home maintenance, it’s just as important to get your bike serviced by professionals from time to time. Maintaining your bike every season will greatly increase the life and performance of your bike. The benefit of this regular inspection is the peace of mind that everything is being fixed and adjusted by a trusted mechanic, and you’re spending less on long-term seasonal maintenance.
5. Take a bike maintenance class.
Take a Bike Servicing Course to learn how to repair your bike. Many bike shops offer maintenance courses and a mechanic will be happy to answer your questions and provide you with valuable information for almost free. You’ll get instructions on how to test the brakes, repair the brake pads, etc. Bonus: You can also watch bike maintenance videos on YouTube.
In conclusion, It is important to note that bike maintenance is compulsory in order to ensure smooth rides always.
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