Bike Maintenance: How to Keep Your Bike New

Your bike doesn’t keep running on control alone. It also needs a little love, a lot care, and a good listen. You may not know every cure your bike needs to live a long life, however you can expand enough wisdom along the way to keep it in fit shape and out of the shop. 

Who wouldn’t like to keep their bikes new and healthy? It is a common belief not to preserve or take care of your bikes after few months/years of buying. To keep your bike in good condition, there are few simple things which you need to do on regular basis.

Use NeverWet on Mudguards

You will unavoidably end up riding in the rain on wet and grimy roads, or muddy and puddle filled trails. It is not much fun riding along getting sprayed with dirty surface water from the road can play ruin with the moving parts on your bike. So, do not worry about this because Rust-Oleum NeverWet Liquid Repellent Spray is specially designed to repel water, mud, ice and other liquids. This multi-surface treatment makes moisture repelling barrier on bike surface.

Keep your Bike Clean

Utilize a simple biodegradable cleaner, a wipe, a towel and an old toothbrush to clean everything, such as, the frame, chain, chain rings, cassette, pedals, brakes, and seat. It is not essential to use bucket-loads of water or specially strong jets, a gentle rain-like spray or fog will do just fine to rinse away any soap residue. Also, eliminate the seat post for an intensive clean, and add a small amount of bike grease before reinstalling it.

Keep your Tires Inflated Properly

Poorly inflated tires are liable to to punctures. Forget flimsy hand pumps, you require a standing track pump with a pressure gauge to do the job. Nice bike shops will let you to acquire theirs. Look on the side of your tire for a number followed by the letters PSI. That tells you how much air to put in.

Inspect your Brakes

Brakes are an essential part of your bike, and guaranteeing they are in great working condition and properly balanced. First ensure that brakes are carefully examined during each mountain bike tune up. Check the brake pads, the small rectangular metallic as well as rubberized surface that actually rubs against the disk or wheel rim. These wear down over time and need to be replaced. Utilize a flashlight to assess whether the pads are wearing evenly and replace them if they show excessive wear.

Check the Cables

Cables are either made of powerfully coiled metal wire or oil caged in a plastic housing. Check the cable and surrounding rubber housing for cracks, crimps, rust, dirt and looseness. New cables as well as oil make shifting and braking smooth, which increases bike performance. If braking/shifting is not ideal, get your cables replaced or oil changed at your nearby bike shop.

Check the Wheels

Spin each wheel, ensuring it turns freely and that you can see that it’s straight. As the wheel turns, hold your fingers against the rims, to feel if there are any scratches or knocks on either side. That time when the bike is still upside down, you need to check the tire pressure and that both tires are in good condition. If you discover any major damage, replace the tire before your next ride.

Coat the Chain with Lubricant

Oil lubricant coats the chain and different components of the drivetrain, helping them last longer and work more efficiently. Lube also decreases accumulation of dirt and grime, which helps to surge performance of the moving parts. Apply lubricant equally to the chain while slowly rotating the pedals in a counter-clockwise direction. Make sure to wipe off any excess oil with a clean, dry rag, especially on the chain. An appropriately lubricated bike makes shifting and braking smooth.

Final Thought- Get a Professional Service:

Once a year should be fine, perfectly at the start of spring if you’ve been brave enough to cycle though winter & rain. There is no shame in getting the professionals in. Think of it too with the time.