How To Maintain a Bicycle?

4bikes — Wed, 03 Feb 2021 14:55:25 +0000

The majority of bicycles in everyday use have never had a service. Given the amount of trust we put in our bikes, they should receive regular servicing. If you have never done this before you will find this article helpful.

How To Maintain A Bicycle?

It is easier, all round if you put your bike on a bike stand. It will be off the ground and you can work at chest height.
With your bike at chest height, start by looking at the wheel. If the tyre is showing signs of wear, consider changing the tyre.
If you have tubeless tyres, check the sealant quantity. The sealant does dry after a while, so you may need to clean it out and apply new sealant.
Check the tyre rims on your bike. Check to see they have an even amount of wear from the action of the brakes. If you feel areas of the surface that curve inwards, they may need replacing.
Spin and look carefully at the wheel. If the wheel is buckled, you should definitely consider replacing it.
Inspect the spokes. Check their tension, look for damage to any spokes or corrosion around the join into the wheel. Give them a good clean. It might be worth replacing the spokes. Using a spoke wrench makes this simple.
The wheel spins on two bearings. Spin the wheel ensuring it runs freely and that there aren’t any noises coming from the hub. Check they are tight by holding the fork and moving the wheel/rim from side to side. Feel for any play. The bearings can be tightened and replaced.

How To Maintain A Bicycle: Brakes

When it comes to brakes, you must look for wear in the pads or discs. Depending on the make, your pads might have a wear guide that you can check.
Look for debris in the pads themselves. Clean them off completely and use sandpaper gently if you want a really good finish.

How To Maintain A Bicycle: Headset

There are two bearings that allow the bike to steer. Take them apart for checking then clean and re-grease them if necessary. If you find they are damaged or there is too much grit, replace them. To ensure you get the correct bearings, look on the side of the bearings. You will find the name and numbers. Make a note of this information. Refer to this information to get the correct replacements. Remember, the top and bottom bearings might be different.

How To Maintain A Bicycle: Stem and Handlebars

It is very important that your stem bars are tight including the bolts that hold your handlebars in place. If ever you hear noise from your handlebars, it is worth taking them out and greasing them. If the tape on your handlebars is looking damp and worn, change it.

How To Maintain A Bicycle: Bottom Bracket

Spin the wheel with and without the chain. This will give an idea of how freely it is running. If it is tight or stiff, consider replacing the bearings.
Visually check the chainrings, making sure they are not too sharp or pointed and that the gaps between them are even. Ensure the chainring bolt is tight.
Check your pedals to ensure there isn’t any play in the pedal.
Check your gear cable is working.

Saddles

Make sure the saddle lifts out of the stalk.
Regrease the seat post using normal grease or Fibre Grip which is anti-slip. Use this especially if you have a carbon seat post. It means you don’t have to tighten it up too much.
Make sure the saddle is secure in its clamp.

The Rear Axle Area

Check over the wheel. Spin the wheel, for the details above for the front wheel.
Check the hub bearings, there are also two bearings in the freehub, so you have four to think about.
Check the derailleur by moving it around and using the gear shift. Turn the wheel to ensure it is working properly.
It is also worth checking the small jockey wheels. Again, make sure they are not too pointed.
Look at the cassette, checking for any sharp teeth.

How To Maintain A Bicycle: The Chain.

Check if is showing any rust
Is there very much movement? Can you pull it from side to side? Is it worn?
Use a chain checker which is a small cheap device that you lay on the chain.
This will tell you how worn the chain is.
The reading on the chain checker will tell you if you should get a new chain.

We hope you found this helpful and have learnt How to Maintain a Bicycle.

Keep safe and Happy Cycling from all at Gadgets4Bikes!

How to Clean a Bicycle Correctly

4bikes — Wed, 20 Jan 2021 12:20:08 +0000

How to clean a bicycle?

It is really important to look after your bike and keep all the working parts clean and functional. Follow the details and learn how to best clean your bicycle.

First, remove any accessories from the bike, pumps, saddlebags etc.
Ideally, put the bike on a stand and remove the wheels.
We recommend using a dummy hub. On removing the back wheel, the dummy hub will keep the chain in place enabling it to turn during cleaning.
Pour Clean Spirit into a small container. Clean Spirit is similar to White Spirit but is biodegradable.
Apply the White Spirit to the wheel cassette with a paintbrush, avoiding any bearings. Leave it to soak.
Use the brush and Clean Spirit again to clean the chain, or you can buy a degreasing agent running the chain as you clean.

How to Clean a Bicycle: How to de-grease the chain

A hose pipe or watering can wash off any road debris avoiding the chain and cassette that are still soaking in the Clean Spirit. Pay attention to under the saddle, the fork crown, callipers and bottom bracket.
You now need a bucket of hot water and a cleaning agent. You can use washing up liquid but do use car wash cleaner if you have some as it is designed for road use.
Wash down the bike with a sponge. If you see stubborn oil marks, use a bit of WD40 to help remove them.
Now use the sponge on the wheels and tyres. Don’t forget the spokes and the hub shell. You can get a long-handled bottle brush from a hardware shop to get into the hub shell.
Now with a soapy kitchen scouring sponge, grip the chain. Turn the pedals to rotate the chain, pedalling backwards. This will remove excess grease.

How to Clean a Bicycle: BEST WAY TO WASH DOWN YOUR BICYCLE

Use the sponge to clean the chainrings.
Dip a stiff brush in the soapy water and wash over the cassette on the back wheel This will give it a really good clean.
Finally, rinse off the soap suds using your hose or watering can.
Dry the bicycle off with an old towel or micro-fibre cloth.
Nearly finished with How to clean a bicycle?

How to Clean a Bicycle: CAN YOU POLISH A BIKE?

Before you think of polishing a bike it is essential that the frame, forks, and other parts are very clean. Ideally, do this straight after washing the bike. If the bike isn’t clean you could get scratches on the frame.

How to Clean a Bicycle: How to polish a glossy frame bike?

If you have a glossy frame you might like to consider using CARNAUBA WAX. It is used on cars, is insoluble and one of the hardest natural waxes there is. It protects against all road dirt and oxidant water and Includes UV protection from harmful UV rays.
If you have a matt or satin finish do not use wax, this will make the paint look dull and drab.

How to polish a matt or satin finish bike?

You need a liquid form polish and high on the list should be Muc-Off Matt Finish Detailer. It is specifically formulated for use on bikes with matt and satin paint finishes. This premium-grade formula is quick to use and will leave your matt or satin ride looking factory-fresh with a gloss-free finish.
Matt Finish Detailer leaves a protective coating that will help to prevent dirt adhesion and keep your bicycle cleaner between washes.

We hope you have learned How to clean a bicycle. You can always refer to this information the next time your bike is in need of a clean.