Winter is long gone and with warmer weather, you are ready to get
your bicycle back on the road. Before that first ride, follow these
tune-ups to ensure your bike rides smoother and easier, which will also
lessen any worry of problems.
Begin with your bicycle's chain.
Clean this part and lubricate it. Gather some towels or some other rag,
newspapers to shield your workspace, an old toothbrush, some WD-40 and
some bike lubricant. Once you have your newspapers placed and your bike
parked on top of them, grab your WD-40 and, working link by link, spray
the bike's chain and wipe away the gunk. When you no longer can wipe
away any grease or other buildups, you are ready to apply the lubricant.
Allow a couple hours for the lubricant to really soak in, and then wipe
away any excess. This task protects from rust and makes pedaling
easier.
It is also essential to lubricate the other moving metal
parts on your bike in addition to the chain. For starters, your pedals
need lubrication where they meet with the crank arm. Your brake and
shifter levels also need lubrication. These are the components located
on your handlebars that are used for shifting gears and stopping. Both
your front and rear derailleur, the components responsible for moving
the chain between gears during shifting, need to be regularly
lubricated. These components are composed of many small moving parts, so
any buildup could lead to some issues. Next are brake and derailleur
cables. These elements are what make your brakes work and are make gear
shifting possible. If not properly cared for, these functions will no
longer be available to you. And lastly, brake assemblies, which are
connected to the frame at both the front and back tires, need proper
lubrication so stopping can occur quickly and efficiently.
Regular brake inspection is a good idea as well. Look for proper alignment and debris that may have built up.
Tire
testing is also essential. Properly inflated tires will last longer and
make getting flats less likely. They also make it easier to pedal and
protect your rims.
Biking is
great exercise
and is a wonderful way to enjoy a beautiful day. Bike safety is also
important. In addition to these tune-up tips, be sure to wear proper
safety gear and follow biking laws. These few tasks will ensure proper
safety while you are out riding.
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