Spring Bike Maintenance Checklist
With the nicer weather finally upon us (for the most part), bicycles are becoming more prominent out on the roads. For those of you that are new to the sport of cycling or have had issues with breakdowns in the past here are a few helpful tips for the first rides of the spring.
Brakes:
1) There are 3 cutouts on the pads and if the rubber is worn down to the bottom of these gashes then it is time to replace the pads
2) They should be worn evenly in both directions and clamp completely on the rim without making contact with the tire.
3) When squeezing the brake levers there should be plenty of space before contact is made between the inside of the lever and the handlebar.
Tires:
1) Check for cracks on the sidewall and for tread life
On smooth tread road tires look at the shape – a new tire will have a nice round profile and a worn tire will be flat across the top. A 1/2 inch flat across the tire is pretty bad – often occurring flat tubes is also a sign to change the tires.
2) Check for punctures in the tread area and sidewalls
3) Proper tire inflation is key
Go by the rating on the tire and the rim as well(some tires are rated for pressures of 145 psi, but most road bike rims can only handle 120 – hybrids are typically rated in the mid 80s and mountain bikes are much lower still)
Too little pressure will cause pinch flats more easily
Too much pressure will cause a blow out (hemorrhage of the tire or the tube
Drivetrain:
1) Pedals and crank arms should be tightened to the proper specifications
2) Chain should be in good condition with a light oil film
Wiping down the chain with a cloth and reapplying oil every other to every 4th ride will add significant life to the components that handle a lot of stress and wear and tear every time you go out
Steering:
1) Stand in front of your bike and push down on the handlebars, turn them side to side while holding the front wheel still with your legs.
2) You should not be able to move the bars; that’s the last thing you want to happen to you when you’re bombing a hill or climbing one out of the saddle.
3) Tighten bolts as needed to prevent slippage (be careful as you can over tighten bolts, so only go as far as necessary).
If you are uncomfortable taking care of these tasks on your own then it is best to have the pros do it – go to your local bike shop and ask for a tune up. For about $70.00 you should have all the above completed, plus several other operations including but not limited to: both wheel truings, lubrication of other key mechanical components, and gear shifter adjustments.
A couple other safety recommendations:
1. ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET
2. ID – Road IDs are great and there are several inexpensive options, but if you don’t want one then carry something else with you.
3. Wear sunglasses not just for the sun, but to keep debris and bugs our of your eyes
4. Lights – even in the daylight a flashing light on the front and back of your bike can make a critical difference
5. Wear gloves – they help prevent fatigue, and in a fall they come in handy 🙂
6. Ride in groups when possible
7. Carry a spare tube, means to change / inflate it, and the know-how to change it
8. Carry a cell phone, but keep it on silent (it’s for you to use if necessary, not for someone else to call you)
9. Know the rules of the road (ride on the far right side – you are considered a vehicle, but you don’t want to get hit by another one!)
10. When passing another biker say “I’m on your left”. Say it loud and early. Even on the NCR trail very few bikers announce their presence. It’s especailly dangerous on the open road at faster speeds.