With the weather getting warmer, it's time to get your bike ready for the road again and join our weekly Thursday Social Rides. These 8 essential tips for spring bike maintenance tips will help you get back on the road in no time.
Whether you've been cycling indoors all winter or your bike has been gathering dust in the garage, it's always a good idea to make sure everything is in working order before heading out for your first ride of the season.
8 Must-Know Bike Maintenance Tips for Smooth Cycling
Here are some easy and inexpensive bike maintenance tips & practices for will help you prepare for your outside weekly rides:
Inspect the Shifters and Crank: Shift through all the gears and make sure everything is working smoothly. If you notice any issues, take your bike to your local bike shop for adjustments. Quick 5 min Bike Inspection Tutorial
Brake Check 1-2-3: Double-check your brake pads to make sure they're not too worn. Check that they're seated in the middle of the rim, no debris is stuck in it and that the braking motion is smooth. Tighten any bolts if necessary.
Not-so-Squeaky Clean: Regular cleaning is essential for keeping your bike in good condition. Wipe down the frame, and don't be afraid to clean the drivetrain as well. Check out online tutorials for step-by-step instructions on how to clean your bike in 5 mins.
Check Your Helmet: Your helmet is the most important piece of gear you have as a cyclist. Make sure it's in good condition, with no cracks or frayed straps. If it's been more than five years since you last replaced your helmet, it's time to get a new one. Does your helmet fit properly or are you wearing the right size helmet?
Freshen up the Stash: Another important bike tip is to make sure you have all the supplies you need for your rides, including spare tubes, patch kits, CO2 cartridges, and nutrition. Check your water bottles, cycling shorts, gloves, and jerseys to make sure they're still in good condition. Check out Blur Cycleworks, Trek Parmer. Taylor Bike Company for supplies and tune-ups.
Lube, Lube, Lube: Once your bike is clean, it's time to lubricate the chain. Make sure you're using a bike-specific lube and apply it liberally. Don't forget to clean and lube your chain every few rides to keep it running smoothly.
Keep on Rolling: Check your tires for any bald spots or cracks in the rubber. Pump them up to the recommended air pressure and make sure they're holding air overnight. Check that your spokes are properly tensioned and that the rim is true.
Charge up: Make sure all your devices are charged and ready to go. Replace any dead batteries and update software as necessary.
By following these 8 simple tips for bike maintenance, you can help ensure that your weekly rides are safe and enjoyable. So get out there and enjoy the open road and the bike paths nearest you!
Bonus Info: A Bike Fit Will Improve Your Ride
If you love biking and you've bought a new bike, gained or lost weight over the winter, or even purchased some new shoes - it's important to make sure your bike fits you properly. Getting a bike fit can help you feel more comfortable and efficient on your bike, and can prevent injuries.
During a bike fit, the fitter will make adjustments to your bike to fit your body and riding style. This can take a few hours and they will check things like the position of your cleats and if one leg is longer than the other. It's a good idea to get a bike fit before you start training more seriously this spring or consistently riding longer distances.