To get the best out of your bike and generally extend its life it is important to make sure you keep it in tip top condition. Here are a few tips for some basic maintenance tasks that everyone, no matter how technically / mechanically inept they believe they are should be able to do; OUR TOP TIP Wash your bike with a weak soap and water solution as soon as possible after a wet ride. Don't forget to put some lube on your chain and all pivot points before putting the bike away. Brakes Brakes operate best when clean and free from oil ! They will also last a lot, lot longer if kept free of dirt and grime so make sure you keep both the brake blocks / pads and the braking surface clean. Ensure they are aligned correctly and make contact with the centre of the braking surface (rim). In the case of conventional brakes i.e. not disc, they should never rub the tyre or be lower than the rim. Cables Keep cables running freely and smoothly. Ensuring smooth braking and gear shifting will improve your ride. You can either remove cables and lubricate them or just shoot a little lube into the ends of the cables. Tyres Keep them infated at the correct pressure - Too soft and the side walls will split and crack, too hard and you are not only making the ride uncomfortable but will loose some grip. The correct pressure will help to reduce the likelyhood of a puncture. Replace your tyres when they become overly worn, A common cause of frequent punctures is riding your bike with tyres that are worn out! Fastners Tighten loose nuts, bolts and screws. Giving your bike a quick scrub provides the ideal oppourtunity to establish if bits are about to fall off. Another reason why the "wash your bike" advice is rated our "top tip". Finally try to stick to the maintenance intervals suggested in the attachment below. |
Bike Maintenance |