Omar Bennett
Keeping a bicycle in good condition requires regular maintenance and cleaning. Before each ride, it is important to check that the tyres are pumped to the optimum pressure, that the gears are running smoothly, and that the brakes are functioning correctly. Regular cleaning and lubrication of the chain and other moving parts are crucial to good performance and longevity. This is especially important after riding in wet or muddy conditions.
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What You'll Learn
- Tyre pressure: Ensure tyres are pumped to the optimum pressure for the terrain
- Brakes: Check brake pads for wear and that levers are responsive
- Chain: Clean and lubricate regularly, and check for wear
- Cable lubrication: Re-lubricate brake and derailleur cables to protect from friction
- Routine maintenance: Regular checks and cleaning keep the bike in good condition
Tyre pressure: Ensure tyres are pumped to the optimum pressure for the terrain
Tyre pressure is a critical aspect of bicycle maintenance, and ensuring your tyres are pumped to the optimum pressure for the terrain is essential for a smooth and safe ride. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you optimise your tyre pressure:
Firstly, it's important to understand that the optimal tyre pressure can vary depending on the terrain you'll be riding on. Different tyre pressures are recommended for road riding and off-road or mountain biking. The type of bike you have will also influence the optimal tyre pressure. For example, road bikes typically have a recommended pressure range, which is usually indicated on the sidewall of the tyre.
Maintaining the correct tyre pressure improves your bike's performance and prolongs the life of your tyres. It also ensures a smoother ride and better handling, especially when cornering or navigating rough terrain. Underinflated tyres can lead to increased rolling resistance, making pedalling more difficult and less efficient. On the other hand, overinflated tyres can result in a harsher ride and decreased traction, impacting your bike's grip on the road or trail.
To ensure your tyres are at the correct pressure, invest in a good quality pressure gauge and check the pressure regularly. It's a good habit to check your tyre pressure before each ride as tyres can lose pressure over time, even without noticeable leaks. Additionally, remember to adjust the pressure according to the terrain and the load you're carrying. If you're riding on rough terrain or carrying extra weight, you may need to slightly decrease the tyre pressure to improve traction and comfort.
Finally, it's a good idea to familiarise yourself with the basics of tyre maintenance, including how to fix a flat tyre. Always carry a small repair kit with you when riding, including a spare inner tube, a pump or CO2 inflator, tyre levers, and a patch kit. Knowing how to change a flat tyre is an essential skill for any cyclist, ensuring you're prepared for any punctures during your rides.
By following these tyre pressure guidelines and staying vigilant about tyre maintenance, you can ensure your bike rides smoothly and safely across various terrains. Optimised tyre pressure will also help extend the lifespan of your tyres, saving you time and money in the long run.
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Brakes: Check brake pads for wear and that levers are responsive
Checking the brake pads for wear is an essential step in ensuring your bike is in good working condition. Worn brake pads can compromise your safety and damage other parts of the brake system, such as the rotor. Here's how you can inspect your brake pads and levers:
Inspecting Brake Pads:
- Visual Inspection: You can start by visually inspecting the brake assembly. Shine a flashlight or a bright light onto the brake assembly to clearly see the brake pad backing, brake pads, and rotor. If the brake pad backing is almost touching the rotor, it indicates that the brake pads are significantly worn and need replacement.
- Measuring Pad Depth: Disc brake pads do not have wear indicators, so you may need to remove the pads to measure their depth accurately. A caliper is the best tool for measuring pad depth. If you don't have a caliper, you can use the brake pad backing plate as a reference. Place the backing plate next to the pad surface. If the pad is thinner than the backing plate or less than half its height, it's time to replace the pads.
- Wear Indicators: Some brake pads have wear indicators molded directly into the brake. Look for grooves or slots on the surface of the pad. If these grooves are still visible, the pads are typically in good condition. Once they disappear, it's time to replace them.
- Warning Signs: Pay attention to any warning signs that indicate advanced brake pad wear. These include a grinding or squealing sound when applying the brakes, a noticeable reduction in braking ability, and a feeling of shuttering when braking. If you experience any of these issues, take your bike to a local bike shop for assistance.
Checking Brake Levers:
When checking brake levers, ensure they are responsive to your touch. Here are some additional points to consider:
- Lever Travel: Compare the distance between the beginning and end of the brake lever's travel. On new pads, this distance is shorter. As the brake pads wear down, this distance increases, resulting in a longer throw of the lever.
- Brake Power: Over time, the surface of the brake pad may glaze over or become contaminated, leading to reduced braking power.
- Noise: Metal-on-metal contact is a telltale sign of worn-out brake pads. Contamination can also occur when cleaners, grease, or brake fluid come into contact with the brake pad, affecting its performance.
Remember, the frequency of brake pad replacement depends on various factors, including your riding style, the type of compound used, and the conditions in which you ride. Regular inspection and maintenance of your bike's brakes are crucial for your safety and the longevity of your bike's components.
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Chain: Clean and lubricate regularly, and check for wear
Regularly cleaning and lubricating your bike chain is essential for extending its life and keeping your bike shifting smoothly. It is recommended to clean and lubricate your chain at least once a month, and more frequently if you ride in muddy conditions or off-road.
Degreasing and Cleaning
Before lubricating your chain, it is important to first degrease and clean it. There are designated chain cleaner tools available that wrap around your chain and, when combined with backpedalling, clean the chain's nooks and crannies. If you don't have access to such a tool, a brush can be used to degrease the chain. Brush the degreaser onto the chain, backpedalling the chain through the brush at various angles. You can also use a chain cleaning device that employs rotating brushes to scrub the chain's inner and outer links and rollers. After degreasing, rub down your chain with soapy water and rinse to clean off any excess degreaser.
Lubricating
After cleaning and drying your chain, the next step is to lubricate it. There are two types of chain lubricant: wet and dry. Wet lube is suitable for riding in wet and muddy conditions, as it strongly adheres to the drivetrain and is less likely to rinse off in the rain. However, it is important to note that dirt and grit will stick to it, so be sure to wipe off any excess lube. On the other hand, dry lube is ideal for dry environments as dirt and grit stick less to it. However, it can easily rinse off if you encounter wet conditions during your ride. To apply the lube, carefully place a small drop on top of each roller in your chain, aiming directly into the rollers. Be careful not to get lube on the outside of the chain, as it will attract more dirt. Finally, wipe off any excess lubricant before riding.
Checking for Wear
Checking your chain for wear is an important part of bike maintenance. While riding distance is not an accurate indicator of chain wear, there are tools specifically designed to measure chain wear. A simple and inexpensive option is to use a ruler to measure the length of the chain. A new chain should measure exactly 12 inches across 12 links, from the middle of one pin to the middle of the next. The commonly agreed-upon wear limit is one percent elongation between links. However, it is recommended to replace the chain before reaching this limit. More advanced tools for measuring chain wear include drop-in-style checkers and digital gauges. These tools provide more accurate measurements and can help you identify when your chain needs to be replaced.
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Cable lubrication: Re-lubricate brake and derailleur cables to protect from friction
Regular bike maintenance is important to ensure good performance and longevity. Cable lubrication is a crucial aspect of this, especially for brake cables and derailleur cables, which are responsible for ensuring safe braking and smooth gear shifting.
Brake cables are essential for your safety, and over time, you may notice a decrease in braking power or responsiveness. Cleaning and relubricating these cables can help maintain their effectiveness and protect them from friction. Before lubricating, ensure you have the necessary tools, including dry lube, gloves, a cable cutter, and an Allen key. Start by removing the end cap from the brake cable, then use the cable cutter to snip through the cable, cutting as close to the end cap as possible to retain sufficient slack. Next, loosen the bolt without removing it, allowing the brake calliper to release and spring open. By clasping the lever, you can then extract the cable from its housing, exposing the end inside the lever hood.
Gently pull the cable out for cleaning. Wipe away any grime and dirt, then apply dry lube directly or with a cloth. Remember to wipe off any excess lube to prevent future grime build-up. Carefully realign the brake lever, threading the cable through the anchoring clip and into the housing. Feed the cable back through the housing, taking care not to fray the ends. Finally, tighten the bolt and ensure the brakes are aligned and adjusted to the correct distance from the rim.
Derailleur cables are also important for smooth gear shifting. To lubricate these cables, start by pulling the upper section of the outer cable down, exposing a section of the inner cable. Lubricate this section, then reconnect the outer housing. Next, pull the lower section of the housing away from the frame and derailleur, lubricate, and reconnect. For the front shift cable, shift the front derailleur to the largest sprocket, stop the crank from rotating, and move the shift lever in the opposite direction. Disconnect and lubricate the upper housing, then reconnect and shift the lever back.
By regularly cleaning and lubricating your brake and derailleur cables, you can maintain optimal performance, protect against friction, and ensure a safer, smoother riding experience.
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Routine maintenance: Regular checks and cleaning keep the bike in good condition
Routine maintenance and regular checks are key to keeping your bike in good condition. It is recommended to follow a regular schedule of maintenance, which can vary from monthly to weekly or even more frequently, depending on your type of riding. For example, if you often ride in wet and muddy conditions, you should plan to clean your bike more often.
One of the essential pre-ride checks involves the "ABCs": Air, Brakes, and Chain. Ensure your tyres are pumped to the optimum pressure, which will vary depending on the type of bike and model. Check your brakes to ensure they are functioning correctly and that the pads are within a safe limit and not overly worn. Also, run through your gears to make sure your chain is on the sprocket and shifts smoothly between the cassette.
After riding, especially in rainy or muddy conditions, it is important to clean your bike. Use a damp cloth to wipe down your rims and remove any dirt, grit, or grease buildup, which can cause wear and rubbing over time. You should also clean and lubricate your chain regularly. A bike-specific degreaser can help clean gummy parts like the chain, and you should always apply bicycle-specific lube oil to a clean chain. There are two types of lube: wet and dry. Wet lube is ideal for wet riding conditions as it strongly adheres to the drivetrain, while dry lube is better suited for dry environments as it resists dirt and grit better. However, be careful not to over-lubricate, as this can attract dirt and cause poor performance and component damage. Always wipe away excess lube carefully before riding.
In addition to the above, remember to check your brake and derailleur cables frequently, especially after riding in wet conditions. Re-lubricate them occasionally to ensure they effectively translate your commands. Keep an eye on the brake and derailleur assemblies, checking their arms, wheels, and pulleys to ensure they don't bind up or become rigid. Apply lubricant to the pivot points as needed.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to clean your bike regularly, especially after riding in wet or muddy conditions. This includes wiping down your rims and removing any buildup of dirt, grit, or grease that can cause wear and rubbing over time.
Before each ride, it is important to perform a quick bike check to ensure optimal performance and safety. The "ABC Quick Check" is a good guideline: Air (check tire pressure), Brakes (check brake pads and levers), and Chain (check lubrication and gear shifting).
It is recommended to lubricate your bike chain with bicycle-specific lube oil at least four times a year. There are two types of lube: wet and dry. Wet lube is ideal for wet riding conditions as it adheres strongly and is less likely to rinse off. Dry lube is better for dry environments as it resists dirt and grit better.
In addition to regular cleaning and lubrication, it is important to keep an eye on the brake and derailleur assemblies, which include the brake and derailleur cables. Check for any binding or rigidity, and re-lubricate these components occasionally to ensure smooth translation of your commands.
