Since a bicycle is a road vehicle, it's important that you care for it properly and maintain it to keep it road-safe. Although major repairs and tune-ups should be done by pros at a reputable bike shop, there are some things you can do to help keep your bike in good condition, provided you have the right tools and materials. Bike expert Gerry Harms talks with Family Sports host Belma Johnson about a pre-ride checklist as well as some general maintenance that you can do yourself.
Pre-Ride Check: There are a number of mechanical components that should be checked each time you ride. Checking these in advance will help ensure an enjoyable ride and may prevent you from being stranded far from home.
- Be certain that your tires are properly inflated. It's important to keep your tires filled to their proper specifications. The range of acceptable pressures for your tire (in psi) is printed on the sidewall (figure A). Check your tires with a gauge each time you ride to make certain you're riding on properly inflated tires. If the pressure in your tires is low, the easiest way to fill them is with a floor-pump equipped with a built-in gauge.
- Check the wheel bearings (figure B) to be certain that there is no play from side to side.
- Check the brakes. First check to be sure that the wheel spins freely between the brake pads (figure C). If the brakes are dragging, they'll need to be adjusted to center them on the rim. Next, be certain that the brake levers (figure D) are operating properly and the cables are tight enough to engage the brakes. The travel of the levers should not extend all the way to the handlebar. In other words, if your brake levers are touching your handlebars or hand grip, your brakes are too loose and need adjusting. Most bikes have a barrel adjuster on the brake levers that allows you to fine-tune this adjustment yourself.
- Check your headset bearing to be certain that there is no play in your handlebars. Grip the handlebars and front fork (figure E) and see if they are properly stabilized or if it's possible to rock the handlebars from side to side. The handlebar post, however, should rotate freely in the front fork.
- Check that the bolts attaching pedal crank-arms to the front bearing are tight (figure F). Make sure that the bearing itself is tight also. As with the headset bearing, there should be no play from side to side. If bearing itself is loose, this is a repair that will need to be done by specialists at a bike shop.
- Finally, to make certain your ride is enjoyable, run through a check of all gears (figure G) to be certain that you'll be able to shift properly.
Routine maintenance: With the right tools, you can help keep your bike performing well and looking good.
- When it becomes necessary, clean your chain and drive-train with a citrus degreaser (figure H) to remove road grime and grease buildup.
- To keep your tires properly inflated, use a floor pump with a built-in gauge before each ride. For adding air to tires while you're on a ride, however, you may want to carry with you a frame-mounted pump (figure I) or a CO2 inflater ( figure J). It's also a good idea to carry a patch kit in case of a flat.
- Oil your chain periodically with a chain lubricant (figure K). Apply a drop of lubricant to each of the chain's rollers and wipe off any excess with a shop rag.
- An all-purpose bike tool (figure L) will allow you to make minor adjustments to your bike either at home or on the road.
RESOURCES :
Bicycling magazine
Web site: www.bicyclingmagazine.com
Topeak Alien bicycle multitool
Topeak Alien bike tools
are available from
Todson Inc.
8 Spring Brook Road
Foxborough, MA 02035
Toll-free: 800-213-4561
E-mail: shop@Todson.com
Web site: www.topeak.com
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