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!
