A cyclist’s bike is one of their most prized belongings. Some individuals own one for commuting, while others use it for fitness, entertainment, or even sports or competition. Owning a bike entails taking care of it and ensuring that it doesn’t get damaged or degrade. A well-maintained and well-cared-for bike never let you down. Riding a well-kept bike is a pleasure, even while crossing rugged terrain. In this article, we will discuss key bike maintenance recommendations that will keep you and your bicycle happy for a long time!
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Clean your bike
The first and simplest action you could do for your bicycle is to clean it regularly. You may clean your bicycle by wiping or scrubbing it with water and soap. Clean the cogs with a brush, clean the bike’s chain with a soft brush and apply a degreaser. It is also necessary to clean bicycle tires. Remove the tires and look for indications of wear and tear. Remove material such as tiny stones, grass, or dirt by wiping them with a towel. Wipe the various sections of the tires with a wet cloth soaked in soap or dishwashing cleaner.
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Grease your bicycle
To perform properly, your bicycle must be greased regularly. Greasing protects the bicycle from corrosion triggered by unnecessary friction. Grease the metallic components, predominantly those that rub each other while the bike is in motion, such as the headset. Research the internet on the proper ways of maintaining your bike headset. However, be cautious not to over-lubricate since this might trap dirt particles. Wipe away any excess lubrication using a towel.
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Check your tires regularly
It is critical to inspect your bike tires regularly. This includes a comprehensive examination of the state of your bike as well as the air pressure. Make sure that the tire pressures are kept at the appropriate levels. Check your tires for any scratches or scrapes that might lead to an unpleasant event, such as a tire burst. Remember to check your tire treads weekly.
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Examine your brakes
Your bike’s brakes are critical to your safety. Every time you ride your bike, you should examine your brakes. First, inspect the brake pads to verify they have not worn out. Inspect the cables by ensuring sure you can squeeze the brake handles correctly. Check that the brake handle clasp is not loose. To prevent squeaks, clean the brakes regularly. Examine the brake pads and, if necessary, replace them.
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Tighten the nuts and bolts
Keep all of the screws, bolts, and nuts in your bicycle in place by checking for looseness regularly. It’s inconvenient if you lose the screw that holds your reflectors in place and have to listen to the rattling all the way home. When purchasing a new bike, request that your bike store provide you with a bag of extra nuts and bolts.
Conclusion
If you don’t want to disassemble your pricey bike or don’t know where to begin with maintenance, go to your local bicycle repair shop and allow the bike specialists to handle it for you regularly for a small fee.
