Bicycle Maintenance TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-331 -- More Projects » Cycle expert Michael Knoll tells how to keep a bicycle in tiptop condition. - The best way to prevent punctures is to check the air pressure in the tires often to make sure they are the correct weight. The proper pressure should be printed on the inside edge of the tire.
- Two important aspects of bike maintenance are the drive train, which are the chain and gears, and the brakes, which are the pads and rims. The most important is the drive train. Depending on the conditions in which you are riding--wet, mud, dirt, dust and ice--you should clean and lubricate the drive train every one to four rides.
- An easy way to get at the chain is by using a work stand. It elevates the bike and allows you to easily move the drive train and spin the tires. You can purchase an inexpensive work stand for approximately $50, but they can go up to as much as $400.
- Another way to get at the chain is to flip the bike over and set it on the handlebars and seat.
- Horizontally mount a 2 by 4-foot to a workbench so you can hang the saddle of the bike from it. This will elevate the back tire and allow it to spin.
- Clean gunk off the chain with a dry rag.
- Use a toothbrush, along with a solvent such as citrus degreaser or kerosene, to do a deep cleaning of the whole drive train. Included in the drive train are the crank set, front derailer, rear derailer and the rear cog set.
- Once all has been cleaned, lubricate certain parts of the drive train and keep the other parts clean. Do this by spinning the crank around and spraying a chain and the pivot point on the derailers, wiping the excess off with a clean rag.
- The riding conditions depend on which type of lubricant is used. If you ride your bike in wet or winter conditions, use a thicker waxy based lubricant. If you ride your bike in dry or dusty conditions, use a thinner lubricant.
- Lubricate your cycle after you are finished riding for the day. This prepares your bike for the next time you take it out and it allows the lubricant to dry so it won't pick up as much dust and dirt.
- Be sure to keep the lubricant off the teeth of the drive drain, or dirt will easily collect on the teeth.
- If you frequently ride your bike, have your chain checked for stretch once a year at a bike shop. If the chain is too stretched, you will have to replace it. If you wait too long, you might have to purchase new gears.
- Another good spot to lubricate is the seat post. Before pulling out the seat post, mark the level it is at right now with an indelible pen. Then pull the seat post and wipe it clean. Use a lubricant to grease it. This ensures that your post doesn't get stuck in the frame.
- The last important topic is braking. Make sure the brake pads are hitting the rim of the wheel nicely and solidly. They shouldn't be hanging down toward the spokes, and they also shouldn't be getting up in the tire.
- Unhook the brake pads and take either a file, sandpaper or plastic scrubby, and sand down the brake pads. Try to get the metal out and off the pad so that you are down to good rubber.
- Take sandpaper or a plastic scrubby and scrub the rim (both sides) to get the built-up dirt and rubber off the rim. Hook the brakes back up, and you are ready for the road.
- Bicycles don't like to be kept outside in either the summer or winter, so if possible, store it inside. If you have to store it outside, frequently spray and all the visible nuts and bolts with lubricant, then wipe off the excess with a rag. Run the rag over the frame for a thin coating on the frame.
Resources Bike Masters (formerly Bennetts Cycle)
Bike Masters (formerly Bennetts Cycle)
3540 Dakota Ave. S
St. Louis Park, MN 55416
USA
Phone: 952-922-0311
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