Maintain Your Bicycle

Bicycles with price tags well over 100 bucks are not longer cheap toys, for boys or men. Rising popularity of the 2-wheelers, for recreation, exercise or even commutes to work, make them investments that should be cared for.

Keep your bike in good condition and have it inspected once a year by a good bike mechanic. If you keep your bicycle cleaned and maintained, it will provide you with several years of service and enjoyment.

Here are the key areas to maintain.

Hand Brakes

They should stop the bike quickly and evenly with no slippage. Check your brakes on a regular basis. Oil caliper brakes on the pivot bolt between the brake arms and keep the brake pads clean. If brake levers touch the handlebars when brakes are applied, your brakes need adjusting. Extension brake levers are not recommended.

Chain and Chain Guard

A chain guard will prevent clothes from catching in the sprocket. Check for damaged links and maintain a snug, but not too tight, fit. Clean the chain frequently and lubricate with light oil once a year.

Handlebars

Adjust the handlebars for comfort. Keep the stem well down in fork and tighten securely. Replace missing or damaged handlebar grips. Lubricate the head set once a year.

Pedals

To prevent foot slippage, choose rubber treaded pedals or metal pedals with toe clips. Replace worn out pedals and tighten the spindles.

Reflectors

Reflectors should be on pedals, and the front and rear of the bicycle. The bicycle should also have prism reflectors on the spokes.

Saddle

Adjust seat height so your leg bends only slightly with ball of foot on pedal at bottom of stroke. Tighten securely.

Lights

Riding at night is not recommended, but if you must, moving lights (such as leg lights or flashing lights) are the most visible. Wear light-colored or reflective clothes.

Tires

Check tires frequently for the correct pressure. Many flats are caused when tires are underinflated. To check pressure without gauge, pinch the tire. It should feel firm. Whether you're on or off the bike, the tire shape should not change much. Replace worn tires.

Wheel Spokes

It's important to keep spokes tight. Replace broken ones promptly.

Wheels

Because wheels that wobble are unsafe, keep wheel nuts tightened. Change lubricating grease once a year.

Always carry a tube repair kit and a tire pump so you can make emergency repairs.