Now that you're ridin' its time to understand how to take care of your ride!

This playlist is all about understanding your bike and how to keep it rideable. You'll explore:

• what parts are in a bike and the tools you'll need for repairs
• how to inspect and diagnose for issues
• the basics of maintenance

You'll also experience how to get around using your bike as transportation, and how to prevent injury by taking care of your own body.

Frame

The frame is the main middle piece that the other pieces attach to. It's made up of the main triangle (the big 'ol triangle in the center of your bike) and the rear triangle, which contains your seat stays(the metal tubing on either side of your back wheel up top) and your chainstays (the metal tubing on either side of your back wheel near the pedals).

Front end

Handlebars are the part towards the front of the frame that are used to steer and control the bike. With some bikes, handlebars also contain the brakes and gear levers, which can adjust the resistance you feel when riding.

Drivetrain

The drivetrain is made up of all of the parts that move your bike, like the pedals, cranks, chainwheel, chain, and deraillieur. These parts combined help your bike to move efficiently.

Brakeset

The brakeset is made up of brake levers which are connected to the brake assembly using cables or hydraulics. The assemblies rub up against your back wheels to help you slow down and stop.

Wheels

Finally, the wheels! Without these babies, you'd be stuck with your bike frame on top of cinder blocks, sitting on top of a stationary bike. Bike wheels are made up of the hub, the center part which connects to the frame, spokes(thin metal bars) and the rim which sits along the edge.

FOR THE INSTRUCTOR:

After discussing the anatomy of bikes, have students label a bike using a piece of paper or sticky notes, and show at least 3 new parts they just learned about.

Here are additional resources for bike anatomy:

• https://jimlangley.net/wrench/bicycleparts.html
• https://www.evanscycles.com/coffeestop/advice/anatomy-of-a-bike

Luckily, most bike repairs can be done with only a few essentials; the rest will depend on your growing knowledge of what needs to be fixed.

For straightforward jobs such as changing cables, adjusting brakes and gears, tweaking saddle position and angle, setting up handlebars, and changing and inflating tires, these are your essentials:

• Ball-end Allen keys: you'll use these for almost everything, especially adjusting certain bike parts. If you have a multi-use tool (pictured above), the most popular size keys will probably be included!
• Screwdrivers: make sure you have both flat head and Phillips head; these can also be found in a standard multi-use tool.
• Combination spanners: for tightening up all the bolts around your bike.
• Tire levers: this is an essential for your toolbox and to carry while you're riding (especially long distances) in the event you need to change a flat. Just make sure you have a spare tire tube, too!
• Floor pump: this one is the most obvious, but keeping your tires pumped will not only make sure your ride is easier but will also save your wheels.

There are other bike-specific tools you can have for more complicated fixes, like changing chains and wheel spokes, but these 5 will get most of the work done.

FOR THE INSTRUCTOR:

Have students take a picture of their newly planted containers for social media!

Getting ready to take a ride, but can't figure out that mysterious squeaky sound?

Even with regular maintenance, the regular use of your bike can produce some wear and tear that are outside of your normal maintenance routine.

So what's a cyclist to do? In this XP, you're going to learn some basic steps to diagnose some issues with your bike.

Just like when you do your maintenance, start with the ABC's. Check your air pressure, your brake pads, and your chain for any signs of damage.

If your ride still feels a little off, you can check a few more uncommon places. Check out this video to learn how to "find it to fix it"

For more help, you can also check out the resources at the bottom of the page, or research a local bike shop to attend their classes.

FOR THE INSTRUCTOR:

Prepare for this activity by having a couple of bikes on location.

Have students get into pairs and instruct them to inspect each others' bike. Ask them to check all the basics described above and write down a diagnosis. It could look something like this: "Tires need air, chain is rusted."

Then switch.

Keeping your bike clean & lubed up is crucial to ensuring its long lasting performance. If you ride in the rain or mud, you'll need to clean your bike more often.

Lubricants can prevent any excessive wear and tear on your bike from friction, and can hold off rust. Make sure to always wipe off any excess, since excess lubricant can attract dirt and abrasive particles.

Most bike parts can be cleaned by just wiping them off, but some, like your drive train, may need some scrubbing or brushing.

Another major key to a long lasting bike, is to make sure you're storing it properly. Leaving a bike outside where it may rain can cause some serious rust and shorten your bike's life span.

Keeping up with this basic maintenance will let you ride farther, longer, and easier.

FOR THE INSTRUCTOR:

Allow students to get some experience "maintaining" a bike. They can bring in their own bikes or you can provide one for them. Each student should choose one of the bike care activities above, (for example, checking the brake pads or cleaning the chain), and perform it. Remember to come prepared with the right equipment (i.e. bike lube, cleaning rags, etc.).

Stretching

First things first: have a good stretch! It's important to stretch in order to avoid injury and relieve tension in your spine that can build up from biking. Yoga and Pilates are great exercises for cyclists.

Relax your shoulders

Sometimes when biking, your shoulders can creep up towards your ears. Relax them so that you have full mobility of your neck. This will help you to keep an eye on your surrounds, and avoid unnecessary soreness later!

Bend your elbows

Keep your elbows bent, and pulled in close to your body. With this posture, your arms can help take some of the impact if you hit a pothole or other obstacle, and reduce the pressure on your shoulders.

Pedaling Position

When your pedals are closest to the ground, your knees should still be just slightly bent. Concentrate on pedaling all the way around, and push with the widest part of your foot. This position will help prevent your quadriceps from getting tired too quickly.

FOR THE INSTRUCTOR:

You guessed it, take the students on a bike ride so they can practice good body mechanics.

Bike commuting is all about using your bicycle and your body to take you where you need to go. Making a grocery run? No problem. Gotta get to work? No car needed here!

The key to a successful commute is to plan ahead. Know where you're going and know how to get there. No matter where you're traveling to, GoogleMaps is a great resource to plan your route. They even have an option to search best routes for cycling, so you know which way has the least amount of traffic and how long it will take you.

If you don't have a lot of experience biking in the street, search for your local Critical Mass group to put some practice miles in with the safety and support of a lot of other riders. Biking in a group can be fun and empowering too!

Where will your bike take you?

FOR THE INSTRUCTOR:

Participate in a critical mass. It's a monthly even so plan ahead of time. Check their Facebook for dates.