RECOVER: May 3, 2013

Getting Your Bicycle Ready for Spring!

Spring is finally here, and it’s time to get outside and ride your bicycle!

If your bike has been sitting in the basement or garage all winter, it’s a good idea to follow this quick 5-point checklist to ensure your safety and bike-riding enjoyment.

1.            Clean your bike. Not a major cleaning, just a quick wipe-down. Use a damp cloth and wipe the frame, handlebars, rims, pedals…wipe as much of the bike as you can wipe. The goal is to remove the dust and road grime that settled during the winter. A clean bike not only looks good, it also extends the life of its parts.

2.            The Bike Chain. The chain is one of the most important parts of your bike and one of the first steps in an annual tune-up is to inspect and clean it. Look at the entire chain and ensure it’s not rusted and is installed properly. You can check installation by lifting the bike so the rear wheel is off the ground and turn the pedals slowly for a few revolutions. If the chain is on correctly, you shouldn’t hear any noises and the wheel should turn smoothly. To clean it, get that damp cloth, grip it lightly around the bottom section of the chain and turn the pedals slowly backwards; this simple action will remove excess grease and surface dirt. Once it's clean, lube it with bike oil (your local shop can show you a few varieties) and then run the chain through the rag again to remove excess lube from the outside surfaces where it will only attract more dirt and get on your clothes.

3.            Tires and Wheels. When a bike sits for a while (even a week), air will escape. So, before you ride your bike, check your tires to ensure they are properly inflated.  Also, look for cracks, bulges, cuts or excessive wear.  If you see these, replace the tire and inner tube - it’s best to spend a few dollars on preventive maintenance versus breaking down while on a ride.

Next, spin your wheels and ensure they spin unobstructed through the brakes, fenders and fork without rubbing.  Finally, check that the quick-release axles or lug nuts that hold your wheels in place are secure, as everyday use and road vibration can cause these to loosen.

4.            The Brakes. For obvious reasons, you want to ensure your bike can stop when you need it too.  Look at the brake pads. Are they worn down? If the pad is worn to the ‘wear line' (written on the brake pad), or there are no grooves left along all or part of the pad, or there's very uneven wear, then they need replacing. Squeeze your brake levers and note if there's any noise (like squealing) or if they don't grip right away, in which case your brake pads or cables might need adjusting. If you can squeeze your levers so hard that they touch the handlebar, the bike is unsafe to ride – bring it to your shop and get it checked out.

5.            Helmet. Look over your helmet and ensure there are no cracks on the outer or inner shell. Adjust the straps so that the helmet fits snug, and lands somewhere above your eyebrows; a common mistake is to wear it too high, which won’t protect your forehead in the event of a fall.   And then wear it every time you ride!

Always Believe,

~ Joe G.