Cycling Tips: Bike maintenance
Now you’re wearing something comfortable, let’s move on to keeping your bike happy. You don’t need a shed full of tools to achieve this, though it helps to have a friendly bike shop nearby in case you need help.
1. Clean and oil your chain regularly, particularly if riding in bad weather. You’ll eliminate the dreaded 'creak' that cyclists hate, and more expensive parts like chainrings won’t wear out as quickly.
2. Check your tyre pressure: recommended levels will be indicated on the sidewall. A floor pump (also called a track pump) is a good investment, as it requires less effort to get to the recommended pressure, and they’ll feature a handy pressure gauge.
3. Fit mudguards in wet conditions. Your back will thank you, your washing machine will thank you, everyone riding behind you will be grateful. Some (including some BikeRadar staffers) will point out they can ruin the clean lines of a fancy road bike, but in the mire of winter do you really care?
4. Clean your bike regularly: hot soapy water and a sponge will do the job for most parts unless the grime is caked on, in which case there are some great cleaning sprays available. Use specialist degreaser for the drivetrain (cassette, chain, crankset and so on). Then spray your gleaming bike all over with a silicone aerosol – avoid braking surfaces – as this will stop mud sticking on your next ride.
5. Learn how to fix a puncture, and always carry a repair kit (including tyre levers, patches or new inner tube, and pump). When you're miles from home and suddenly hear that hissing sound, you’ll be glad you learned how to fix it yourself.
1. Clean and oil your chain regularly, particularly if riding in bad weather. You’ll eliminate the dreaded 'creak' that cyclists hate, and more expensive parts like chainrings won’t wear out as quickly.
2. Check your tyre pressure: recommended levels will be indicated on the sidewall. A floor pump (also called a track pump) is a good investment, as it requires less effort to get to the recommended pressure, and they’ll feature a handy pressure gauge.
3. Fit mudguards in wet conditions. Your back will thank you, your washing machine will thank you, everyone riding behind you will be grateful. Some (including some BikeRadar staffers) will point out they can ruin the clean lines of a fancy road bike, but in the mire of winter do you really care?
4. Clean your bike regularly: hot soapy water and a sponge will do the job for most parts unless the grime is caked on, in which case there are some great cleaning sprays available. Use specialist degreaser for the drivetrain (cassette, chain, crankset and so on). Then spray your gleaming bike all over with a silicone aerosol – avoid braking surfaces – as this will stop mud sticking on your next ride.
5. Learn how to fix a puncture, and always carry a repair kit (including tyre levers, patches or new inner tube, and pump). When you're miles from home and suddenly hear that hissing sound, you’ll be glad you learned how to fix it yourself.
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