Maintain Your Bike And Make Simple Repairs With No Fear

A free article on Biking

By: Vin DeWolfe

Recall when you were a kid and your parents shouted at you to put your bike away? Your mother and father may have just wanted their driveway to stay clean, but there is more to the tale. They were in reality imparting first-rate bicycle maintenance advice.

Bikes, like all stuff made of metal, can rust. Leaving a bike exposed to rainfall, snow and other moisture speeds up the process. Rust can damage your bike frame, disable your steering or cease up your chain and gearing.

Like your parents assured you, put your bicycle away when you're finished riding it. Maintain it in a area sheltered from the elements such as a garage or bike shed. Even a carport will do, just get it out of the weather the best you can.

At the very least, cover it with a water resistant tarp. Tie the tarp down with bungee cords or rope, or throw a few rocks over the bottom edges. The secret is to secure the tarpaulin so that the wind won't tear it away, leaving your bicycle in the weather.

Bike tires are the easiest parts of the bicycle to maintain. They are also one of the most important parts of the cycle. Before and after each ride, they should be inspected and aired up to the proper pressure. Always follow the manufacturers suggestion impressed on the side of the rubber.

The tire rubber should be free of any scrapes, bumps or tears. These forms of imperfections in the tire make acquiring a flat more likely. The tread of the tire should not be overly worn. If there's any indicators that the tire loses air or has weak areas, it is more than probable, time for a new pair.

Use the bike makers advise for tire sizing on your bicycle. An poorly-fitted tire could rub on the framework or chain. The bike will be almost inconceivable to pedal and steering will be negatively affected. A properly sized wheel will spin free in its place, cutting down on friction and assuring a smooth ride.

Keep your brakes tuned to optimal performance. scrutinize cables and keep screws and nuts fastened down. Regularly test and align and adjust your brakes so you can stop easily and quickly when you need to. Make sure the brake pads are adjusted so they don't interfere with the rotation of the tire. Replace the pads of your brakes if they show signs of wear.

The chain on your bicycle, is actually, the only matter between you walking or riding. Keep the chain and gears clean and make sure it has ample oil. If you turn your bike over, the chain and gears is exposed making it easily cleaned and oiled.

Merely spray or drip some oil on the gears and chain and pedal the cycle with your hand. You will use your other hand to hold the chain with a cloth. The grime will come off on the cloth, leaving the chain lubricated and clean. Depending on how dirty the gears and chain are, it may take several times to get it totally clean. A bicycle chain with rust on it should be replaced. Measure the original chain and get one precisely the same to exchange it with.

While you're looking at the chain, scrutinize it for anything out of the ordinary. Tighten up the chain if it's too loose. A lax chain has a inclination to fall off in the middle of a ride. That can be a dangerous position at worst and a minor pain at the least. There should be some play in the drive-train, but it shouldn't fall off easy.

Check the rest of your bicycle and search for screws, nuts and other fastenings. Tighten up any loose items and exchange broken, worn or missing parts. One tiny nut or screw that is worked its way out and you could have major cycle problems.

Even if you maintain your cycle good, there may be times when you need to do a repair on the road. It's not hard to get a flat tire or for some mechanical part to let go. Be prepared with some basic cycle repair tools in a kit. It could make the difference between walking your cycle home or riding it.

A small tire pump, spare tube and patch kit are the bare minimums for cycle tire repair on the road. A kit that also includes a multi-tool set including wrenches, screwdrivers, a spoke wrench and a chain master link is more complete.

Cycles, like all machines require periodic upkeep and occasional repair in order to continue to function. A cycle that has been neglected can literally leave you stranded on the street. But, a well-maintained cycle can last for many years.