| Like all mechanical contraptions, your bicycle is | | | | the front wheel. Check if handlebars and front fork are |
| vulnerable to wear and tear caused by regular use | | | | properly stabilized. You should be able to rotate the |
| and exposure to the elements. Routine preventive | | | | handlebar post freely in the front fork. Tighten the bolts |
| maintenance will keep your bicycle in peak condition | | | | that attach the pedal crank-arms to the front bearing. |
| and safe for riding throughout the year. Although some | | | | Pedals should be tight, with no binding. Check for |
| bicycle repair and maintenance is best performed by a | | | | looseness in front and headset bearings. |
| qualified bike mechanic, you should be able to do | | | | Brakes |
| routine maintenance using a few basic tools. Here are | | | | Squeeze both brake levers and try to roll the bike to |
| some of the things you can do to keep your bike in | | | | check if the brakes are operating properly. If the bike |
| perfect shape. | | | | moves while the brave levers are squeezed or if the |
| Tires | | | | brake levers touch the handlebar, then your brakes are |
| Check the pressure of your tires to make sure they | | | | too loose and need some adjusting. Make sure brake |
| are inflated to proper specifications. Consult the manual | | | | cables are taut. Check the brake cable for breaks or |
| or the tire's sidewall for information on the range of | | | | frayed ends; replace any worn or frayed brake cable. |
| acceptable pressures for your tire. Note any splits or | | | | When brakes are applied, the brake pads (shoes) |
| fatigue marks in the sidewall or tread. Inspect the rim | | | | should contact squarely with the rim and should not |
| for dents, twists or kinks. Spin each wheel to make | | | | touch the tire or the spokes. |
| sure it is true and centered in the stays. If the wheel | | | | Chain |
| wobbles from side to side when spun, then it needs | | | | Keep your bike's chain clean and properly lubricated. |
| truing. Check if some spokes need to be replaced or | | | | Use a rag soaked in de-greaser to remove dirt and |
| tightened. If your bike is equipped with quick-release | | | | grease buildup. Lubricate the chain after cleaning. Bike |
| mechanisms, make sure they are securely fastened. | | | | maintenance experts recommend using a web lube in |
| Steering | | | | wet environments and a dry lube in dry environments. |
| The handlebars, saddle and pedals must be securely | | | | Make sure that the chain moves smoothly without |
| attached. Check the height of the handlebar stem. | | | | sticking or jumping. |
| Make sure that the handlebar stem and seatpost are | | | | Tools for basic bicycle maintenance |
| fastened such that their minimum insertion marks are | | | | Proper inspection and maintenance of your bike |
| not exposed. Handlebars should be tight and in line with | | | | requires a few basic tools. |