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Bicycling 101: Checking Out Your Bike
By Tony AnthonisenI want to make sure that my bicycle is safe, comfortable and easy (as possible) to ride each time I take a spin. There are a few things I check to help assure this. Some I do every ride and others much less often. There are no magic rules about what to do when. However, the following chart, reprinted by permission from the Penn Cycle website (www.penncycle.com), gives a good overview of the items to consider. Also, check out other bicycle shop web sites, like www.nowbikes-fitness.com and www.eriksbikeshop.com for many good pointers.
every ride
monthly
(<>500 miles)six months
(<> 2,500 miles)yearly
(<> 6,000 miles)check tire pressure & add air if needed
clean the bike with a rag (or soap and water if it's real dirty) and inspect the frame and components for signs of wear such as cracks
clean and wax the frame to protect the paint/finish (not necessary on bare titanium frames); once it's clean, inspect the frame and fork for any cracks or damage
check all bearing systems: hubs, bottom bracket, headset and pedals: adjust and/or overhaul as needed
check the tire tread for wear and embedded debris that could cause a flat
wipe the chain and cassette cogs clean with a rag and earth-friendly degreaser and relube
check and replace tires if needed; also check your spare tube and patch kit to make sure the spare holds air and the kit has glue & patches
check all cables and housings for fraying, breaks, rust and corrosion and replace if necessary
check that the wheel quick releases are tight and that the wheels are secure
check the wheels for loose spokes
check the hubs, bottom bracket, headset: adjust and/or overhaul as needed
replace brake pads, rubber brake hoods and handlebar tape if necessary
spin wheels looking for wobbles, which indicate you should have your wheel trued
test with a wrench, the tightness of the: crankarms, pedals, chainring bolts, seat bolt, seatpost bolt, stem bolts, handlebar bolts and all accessory mounting bolts/screws
check all cables and housings for fraying, breaks, rust and corrosion and replace if necessary
clean and check wheels carefully for signs of wear such as worn sidewalls (braking surface) or cracks at the spoke nipples
squeeze brakes to make sure they're grabbing and check to see that the brake pads are in good condition and that they strike the rims (not the tires!)
lube the brake, derailleur and clipless-pedal pivot points
check for worn brake pads and replace if needed; also replace worn handlebar tape or grips
check the hubs, bottom bracket, headset: adjust and/or overhaul as needed
compress and release the suspension to check that it's working properly
lube the cables to prevent binding and check the cables for fraying and rusting and replace if necessary;
check for chain, cassette cog and chainring wear and replace worn parts as required
overhaul the pedals to check the bearings and add fresh grease; if you're using toe straps, check them for wear and replace if needed
check chain & add lube if it looks dry
check clipless pedals and cleats for loose screws/bolts
clean the drivetrain (chain, chainrings, cassette, front and rear derailleurs) with biodegradable solvent and rags
maintain and lube your suspension components according to the advice in the owners manual
make sure you've got your spare tube, tools, pump, etc.
maintain and lube your suspension components according to the advice in the owners manual
maintain and lube your suspension components according to the advice in the owners manual
lube your frame and home pump
Thanks to Penn Cycle for this Handy Bike Maintenance Chart.
Copyright © Tony Anthonisen and Penn Cycle. All rights reserved.
