Bicycle maintenance
is an important aspect in
keeping your bicycle
in top working
order, and to
maximize its
lifespan. We
recommend a basic
tune-up at least
once a year. For
details on these
services, see our
Service page. There
are also a number of
things you can do at
home to keep your
bike working like
new.
Clean and
Lubricate
One of the easiest
and most important
aspects of home
maintenance is
cleaning and
lubricating your
bicycle. First, use
a scrub brush to
clean the chain,
sprockets, and
derailleur’s, and
rinse with clean
water. It is
important to never
use pressurized
water, as it can
force water into
wheel bearings,
shortening their
lifespan and
decreasing
performance.
After the bike has
been cleaned, it
must be lubricated.
We recommend the use
of a bicycle
specific lubricant. When applying
lubricant, a drip
bottle is
recommended. Aerosol
cans tend to produce
a lot of overspray,
which not only
wastes lubricant,
but also spreads oil
to parts of the bike
where it's not
wanted, like the
brake pads or rims.
When lubing the
chain, apply one
drop of oil to each
link as you pedal
backwards. Wait five
minutes, and then
wipe off the excess.
It is also a good
idea to apply a drop
of oil to pivot
points on brakes and
derailleur’s.
Applying a light
coating of oil to
cables will help
prevent them from
rusting.
Check and Inflate
Tires
Maintaining proper
tire pressure has a
number of benefits.
Proper tire
inflation will help
prevent flats,
reduce tire wear,
and improve bike
efficiency. It is
recommended that you
check tire pressure
before every ride.
It is normal for
tires to lose a few
pounds of pressure
over the course of a
week or so, so don't
be alarmed if you
have to add air each
ride. However, if a
tire goes completely
flat over just a
couple days, it is
likely you have a
leaky inner tube,
which will require
repair or
replacement.
Monthly
Inspection
One important aspect
of bicycle
maintenance is
recognizing problems
early. If spotted
early, most problems
can be repaired with
a minor adjustment
for relatively
little expense. If
let go, however,
these small
adjustments can turn
into major headaches. Look over your bike and make sure nothing seems loose or unsafe. If you find something, bring it to a certified bicycle mechanic.
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