With 42% of the world’s households having at least one bicycle, there’s a good chance you’ve got one that you need to look after.
Whether you’re a casual rider using your bike to get around, or an athlete with something top-of-the-line, maintenance is important. Bike maintenance can feel like a chore, so a lot of people don’t do it as often as they should. This can become a problem for them later on.
If you’ve got a bike, here are 5 easy ways can stay on top of your bicycle maintenance! Keep reading to learn more.
1. Inspect Your Bike Daily
Any time you take you’re about to take your bicycle out or you get back from a ride, give it a quick inspection. This is how you avoid missing small problems. Without daily inspections, small and easily fixable problems get missed and become big and expensive problems.
The most important things to do are a tire inspection and look out for rust. Tire pressure problems can indicate punctures, which lead to flat tires. A rusty chain or wheels are the most dangerous, so make sure you don’t see rust there.
If your bike is in need of repairs, check out our repairs service page.
2. Clean Your Bike Regularly
Keeping your bike clean is an important part of maintaining it. Buildups of dirt, grease, and grime all make the wear and tear on your bike happen faster.
To avoid this, wash your bike weekly with a bucket, a spray bottle, some soap, an old toothbrush, and a cloth. Do this every few weeks and after long rides. This will slow down the degradation of parts of your bike that get dirty quickly.
3. Keep Everything Tight
Always check that any nuts, bolts, and screws are tight. As you use your bike these can loosen. The outcome of loose fittings will vary depending on how loose they are.
Sometimes it might only be a minor problem. Other times, it can result in something not working properly, and be a risk to yourself or others.
4. Perform a Brake Test
Always ensure your brakes are working before you go out on your bike. Keep an eye on the brake pads, brakes, and pedals. You’ll want to make repairs if you notice anything looking worn or damaged.
5. Chain Safety
To keep the bike chain in a good condition, make sure you’re applying a chain lubricant regularly. This stops your bike from making a grinding and unpleasant noise when you ride it.
The best way to apply chain lubricant is with a firm brush. Make sure to wipe off any excess so it doesn’t create a buildup on your drive chain.
Performing Regular Bicycle Maintenance
If you want to keep your bicycle in the best condition, you’ve got to do regular bicycle maintenance. This keeps your bike from breaking, increases its resale value, and makes it easier to ride.
If you need some guidance on where to start with your bike maintenance or repair, don’t worry! Contact us – we’re happy to help.