Tips for Taking Care of your Road Bike
Whether you’re riding to work or just for fun, taking care of your road bike is important to keep it performing in top condition.
To care for your bike, you need to do regular maintenance. This will help to keep it running smoothly, and to keep you safe while riding.
Maintaining your bike doesn’t have to be a big job. Follow these simple steps to ensure your bike can perform at its best.
Clean your bike
The easiest thing you can do for your bike is to clean it regularly. Wash your bike with the hose and scrub off any hard dirt with a sponge and dishwashing liquid. Use a brush (an old toothbrush is great for getting into small spaces) to clean the gears and chain, and then apply a degreaser.
Make sure to also clean your tyres. Remove them to inspect for signs of wear and tear. Wipe them with a cloth to remove dirt, grass, mud, stones and debris. If they’re really dirty, give them a hose.
Pump up your tyres
Keeping your tyres properly inflated will help to prevent punctures and make your ride more comfortable. Make sure to pump them up before every ride. If you’re riding on the road, your tyres should be firm. If you’re riding on softer surfaces like sand and mud, it’s best to deflate your tyres a little for a smoother ride.
Lubricate your bike
Your bike needs to be properly lubricated to run well. Lubrication protects the bike from excessive friction, preventing wear, corrosion and rust. Make sure to lubricate all the moving metal parts, like the gears, brakes, chain, derailleur and pedals. Don’t over do it, as this can attract dirt. Wipe off any excess with a cloth.
Check your brakes
The brakes on your bike are crucial for your safety. Before heading out on a ride, it’s important to check that your brakes are functioning properly. Depending on whether you have brake pads or disc brakes, the method is slightly different.
To do this, check that the brake pads are not worn out. Squeeze the brake handles to ensure that the cables are working. Also, make sure that the clamp of the brake handle is not loose. Tighten the barrel of the brake lever to adjust it. Clean the brakes regularly to avoid squeaks.
Check your wheel bearings
Well-maintained wheel bearings are important for a smooth ride. To check your bearings, put your bike on a stand and spin the wheels. They should be spinning smoothly. Also, have a look and see if your tyres need truing or straightening. This is a technical task, so it’s worth getting a bike specialist to help you.
The best way to care for your bike is regularly clean, maintain and inspect it. This will help you to identify issues before they become a safety hazard. If your bike needs a service, you can also take it to our workshop!
Wanting to ride more this winter?
Why not try riding to work? Riding will help you warm up on these crisp winter mornings. Once you get to the city, you can enjoy a hot shower and get ready for your day.
With a cycle2city membership, you’ll have access to our facilities 24/7, meaning it doesn’t matter whether you come in the morning, day or evening. Securely store your bike, have a shower and even put your bike in for a service at the onsite workshop.
For more information, get in touch or GRAB A FREE 7 DAY TRIAL today!