| when you were a kid and your parents hollered at you | | | | they don't interfere with the rotation of the tire. |
| to put your bicycle away? Your mom and father might | | | | Replace the pads of your brakes if they show signs |
| have just wanted their yard to stay clear, but there's | | | | of wear. |
| more to the story. They were actually imparting super | | | | The chain on your bicycle, is actually, the only thing |
| bike maintenance advice. | | | | between you walking or riding. Keep the gears and |
| Bicycles, like all stuff made of metal, can rust. Leaving | | | | chain free of debri and make sure it has ample |
| a bike exposed to rain, snow and other moisture | | | | lubrication. If you flip your bicycle over, the gears and |
| hurries up the process. Corrosion can damage your | | | | chain is exposed making it easy to clean and oiled. |
| bicycle frame, incapacitate your steering or stop up | | | | Merely drip or spray some lubricant on the chain and |
| your chain and gearing. | | | | gears and pedal the bicycle with your hand. You'll use |
| Like your parents assured you, put your cycle away | | | | your other hand to hold the chain with a rag. The dirt |
| when you're done riding it. Keep it in a place protected | | | | will come off on the rag, leaving the chain lubricated |
| from the weather such as a garage or bike shed. | | | | and clean. Depending on how grimey the chain and |
| Even a carport will do, just get it out of the weather | | | | gears are, it may take several times to get it |
| the best you can. | | | | altogether clean. A cycle chain with rust on it should be |
| At the very least, cover it with a water resistant tarp. | | | | replaced. Measure the original chain and get one |
| Hold the tarp down with bungees or rope, or toss a | | | | precisely the same to replace it with. |
| few stones over the edges. The key is to secure the | | | | While you're looking at the chain, scrutinize it for |
| tarpaulin so that the wind will not tear it off, leaving | | | | anything out of the ordinary. Tighten up the chain if it's |
| your bike in the weather. | | | | too lax. A loose chain has a tendency to fall off in the |
| Bicycle tires are the easiest components of the bicycle | | | | middle of a pedal stroke. That can be a unsafe |
| to maintain. They're also one of the most important | | | | situation at worst and a minor annoyance at the least. |
| parts of the cycle. Before and after each ride, they | | | | There should be some play in the chain, but it shouldn't |
| should be inspected and filled to the correct air | | | | fall off easily. |
| pressure. Always follow the manufacturers suggestion | | | | Check over the remainder of your cycle and look for |
| printed on the side of the rubber. | | | | screws, bolts and other fastenings. Tighten any loose |
| The tire rubber ought be free of any abrasions, bumps | | | | parts and exchange worn, broken or missing parts. |
| or tears. These types of defects in the tire make | | | | One tiny nut or screw that is worked its way out and |
| acquiring a flat more likely. The tread of the tire should | | | | you could have major bike trouble. |
| not be overly worn. If there is any indication that the | | | | Even if you maintain your bicycle good, there might be |
| wheel loses air or has weak spots, it's more than | | | | times when you need to do a repair on the road. It is |
| probable, about time for a new set. | | | | not difficult to get a flat tire or for some mechanical |
| Use the manufacturers suggestions for tire sizing on | | | | component to fail. Be prepared with some elementary |
| your cycle. An ill-fitted tire could scrape on the | | | | bicycle repair tools in a kit. It may make the difference |
| framework or chain. The bike will be almost | | | | between walking your cycle home or riding it. |
| inconceivable to pedal and turning will be adversly | | | | A little tire pump, spare tube and repair kit are the |
| affected. A properly sized wheel will roll free in its | | | | absolute minimums for bike tire fixing on the road. A kit |
| place, cutting down on friction and assuring a | | | | that also has a multi-tool set including wrenches, |
| comfortable ride. | | | | screwdrivers, a spoke wrench and a chain master link |
| Keep your brakes tuned to optimal performance. | | | | is more complete.bikes, like all simple machines need |
| Inspect cables and keep screws and nuts fastened | | | | steady upkeep and occasional repair in order to |
| down. Regularly check and align and adjust your | | | | continue to function. A bicycle that's been neglected |
| brakes so you can stop easily and quickly when you | | | | can literally leave you stranded on the street. But, a |
| need to. Make sure the brake pads are adjusted so | | | | well-maintained bicycle can last for many years. |