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