Being a proper cyclist isn’t just about learning how to ride a bike and do tricks. It’s also essential to learn about the necessary cycling maintenance.
Like all machines, bicycles require proper maintenance, so they function at an optimal level. If left ignored, there are plenty of potential issues that might develop.
These issues include a bike chain that may become too loose or rust developing on the bike. The performance of the parts can deteriorate because of wear and tear.
While it might seem like a pain at the start, it’s good to make a habit of conducting regularly scheduled maintenance. The sooner you make maintenance a habit, the easier it’ll become.
We’re here to provide you with all the resources you need to take care of your bike properly. Whether it’s information on how to tighten a bike chain or to learn how to remove rust from your bike, USAALL will look to cover your every need.
Here are our top 5 DIY tips for those that are just starting out with bicycle maintenance.
If your bike chain isn’t working smoothly, then you’re not going to have a delightful ride. The chain essentially powers everything. That’s why it’s important to apply lube regularly.
If you’re riding your bike in adverse conditions, then you’re going to need to apply lube more regularly. You can tell the bike chain needs lube if it’s squeaking and squealing.
A dirty chain, on the other, will make a crunching noise. It’s good practice to apply lube to the chain every week. If you follow this tip, your bicycle will ride smoothly, and you won’t experience any loss in cycling efficiency.
With time, it’s definitely possible for your tires to lose air, and the pressure will decrease. That’s why learning how to use a bike pump is a must-know skill for every rider.
Most bike pumps feature a pressure gauge that allows the cyclist to measure the psi of the tire. There are three main types of bike tires, and every single one has a corresponding PSI.
Road Tires – 80-120 optimal PSI
Hybrid Tires – 50-70 optimal PSI
Mountain Tires – 30-50 optimal PSI
By keeping the tires at their optimal PSI, not only will you ensure that you get the best performance out of your tires, but you’ll also increase their lifetime.
When people first get into cycling, many of them are surprised by the number of nuts and bolts on a bike. There are so many different parts and accessories that are bolted onto the mainframe.
With time, vibration and general wear & tear can cause the screws to come loose. If the bolts are loose, you run the risk of some parts falling off and cause a lot of potential trouble.
That’s why it’s essential for every cyclist to periodically check all the bolts that are present on the cycle. Preventive maintenance of this kind can help ensure that cyclists don’t run into any potential issues.
Brakes are some of the most essential parts present on a bike. If you’re riding a bike that doesn’t feature properly functioning brakes, then you’re putting yourself in a world of trouble.
Like all other parts on the bike, it’s definitely possible for the brakes to move out of position or become less effective with time. You’ll notice if the brakes aren’t in the correct position because they’ll rub against the tire, which will decrease your overall pedaling efficiency.
On the other hand, when the brakes are ineffective, you’ll need to get new brake pads even when they’re in the correct position. Brakes are an essential part of your cycle that’s why it’s essential to ensure that the brakes of your cycle remain in optimal condition.
If you cycle regularly, then running into a flat tire is a certainty of sorts. It can be worrying for new cyclists when they encounter a flat tire while they’re out on a ride.
That’s why it’s essential to learn how to fix a flat tire tube before you start going out and cycling regularly. You should also invest in a portable puncture kit.
Not only will learning how to fix a flat tire tube help you feel more confident on your bike rides, but you’ll also save money in the long run!
Aside from these five essential tips, there’s a lot more about cycling maintenance that you need to learn. There’s no need to panic though, we’re here to provide you with top guides about cycling maintenance!
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