Tips for maintaining your bicycle -

Sales of bicycles saw a boom since the outbreak of COVID-19. Fear of catching coronavirus on public transport led thousands to take up two wheels as an alternative method of getting around. And it looks like the pandemic bike boom is here to stay. But just like running a vehicle, a bike needs to be maintained regularly in order for it to work properly and safely. And there’s more to looking after a bicycle than dealing with the occasional puncture or two.

Click through for some useful bike maintenance and safety tips.

© Shutterstock

Two-wheeled traveling companion -

Your bike is your traveling companion. Treat it with tender loving care and it will take you beyond your imagination. By following these few simple guidelines, you'll get the best out of your two-wheeled friend.

© Shutterstock 

Get kitted up -

Always carry a multi-tool kit. These compact, robust, and lightweight bicycle repair kits serve as a mini toolbox and can be stored in your backpack or saddlebag.

© Shutterstock 

Don't get let down -

Don’t let yourself down. Pack a bike tire repair kit. Perfect the art of changing a flat, because you’re not a proper cyclist unless you can patch your own tubes.

© Shutterstock 

Where's the puncture? -

Remember that you can’t begin to repair a punctured tire without first identifying and removing the offending thorn, nail, tack, or glass shard.

© Shutterstock 

Pump it up! -

A portable bike pump is a must-have accessory. It’s pretty pointless making the effort to repair a flat on the road without the capability to reinflate the tire afterwards. A pump is also a useful slow puncture remedy.

© Shutterstock 

Easy to gauge -

Invest in a decent floor pump for home use. These pumps have the advantage of a fitted gauge enabling precise tire pressure to be achieved.

© Shutterstock 

Gleam machine -

Keep your machine clean! You can’t properly adjust and maintain a bicycle that is dirty and not lubricated.

© Shutterstock 

Under pressure -

Keep an eye on your tire pressure, especially if you’re running tubeless. Too low and you’ll experience sluggish handling and a heavy road feel; too high and bumps and shocks will feel like getting slapped with concrete.

© Shutterstock 

What's that funny noise? -

If your bike makes an odd noise, or feels off kilter, it’s probably trying to tell you something. Investigate immediately. Periodically check for bearing play in your headset (the set of components that provides a rotatable interface between the bicycle fork and the head tube of a bicycle frame).

© Shutterstock 

Adjust your headset -

An easy way to check the headset is by grabbing the front of your bike, squeezing the front brake, and rocking the handlebars back and forth. If you feel any movement, the component needs to be tightened.

© Shutterstock 

Crank it up -

Check the tightness of your crank bolts every month or so. A creaky crankset, or chainset, likely indicates that it’s loose on the spindle. Remove the bolts, lubricate the threads, and reinstall.

© Shutterstock 

Sitting pretty -

A few drops of oil placed on the rail where it connects to your saddle will eliminate annoying creaks. Use a wet and wrung soft cloth to clean the saddle. Avoid wetting the saddle with direct jets of water.

© Shutterstock 

Put the brakes on -

Periodically check for brake pad wear and tear, especially if you use your bike on a daily basis.

© Shutterstock 

Don't risk the discs -

If your bike is fitted with disc brakes, avoid touching them with your fingers. The moisture from your skin can decrease their braking power.

© Shutterstock 

Chain reaction -

Don’t use a solvent to lube your chain. A solvent, for example WD-40, dissolves contaminates to get parts nice and clean. Thing is, this will strip away any existing lubricant, leaving the chain dryer than before application.

© Shutterstock 

How to lube up -

Use a good chain lubricant according to your riding conditions. Apply liberally and then backpedal a few revolutions for an even application. Finish off by wiping the chain with a clean, dry rag.

© Shutterstock 

What valve? -

Know your valves. Schrader valves (right) are similar in design to those found on your car; presta valves are thinner, with a small nut that has to be opened prior to inflation. Keep valves free of dirt and grit. A clogged or sticky stem can interfere with air flow.

© Shutterstock 

Dishing out the dirt -

Speaking of dirt and grit, check places where crud is likely to accumulate such as in brake pads, between tubes and tires, in cleats, cogs and pedals, and along the chain.

© Shutterstock 

The spoken word -

Ever played a harp? Well the next best thing is plucking your spokes often to determine if any are coming loose. A spoke whose tone is different from the rest is on its way out and needs attention.

© Shutterstock 

Get in gear -

Here's a great tip: the easiest method of releasing the rear wheel is to shift into the highest gear so the chain is on the outer (smallest) cog.

© Shutterstock 

Get smart! -

Unfamiliar with a bicycle’s myriad components? Use a smartphone to record your progress as you disassemble something complicated. That way you have a pictorial step-by-step guide to refer to during reassembly.

© Shutterstock 

Other way up -

While sometimes not practical, try and avoid turning your bike upside down to work on it. By inverting the frame you run the risk of chaffing cables, accessories, and the saddle.

© Shutterstock 

Make an effort -

Employing good old elbow grease is the best way to clean a bike. Use a bucket of warm soapy water and a sponge to wipe down the frame. A rag soaked in degreaser cleans cogs easily, while applying rubbing alcohol will remove black grime from your rims.

© Shutterstock 

Proper storage -

Storing your bike for an extended period? Shift to the smallest cog and ring combination to prevent pressure and wear on your derailleur springs.

© Shutterstock 

Quick release -

It’s always worth giving the quick releases on both wheels a gentle tug occasionally to make sure they are fastened down firmly and comfortably.

© Shutterstock 

Regular checkup -

How often should you check your bike? Well, that depends a lot on how often you use it. A general rule of thumb however is around every 320 km (200 mi) of cycling.

© Shutterstock 

Stay safe -

As an added safety precaution, make sure your bike has reflectors mounted on the spokes of each wheel. There should also be reflectors on the back and front sides of the pedals.

© Shutterstock 

Be seen -

Ensure that your front and rear lights are always clean and remember to regularly charge each unit.

© Shutterstock 

Be enlightened -

Purchase the best lights for your kind of ride. For cycling in town, for example, look for something that kicks out a bright, broad beam. If you’re off the beaten tack, you’ll probably require a more focused beam to spot upcoming obstacles.

© Shutterstock 

Ask a professional -

And, finally, get to know a good, trustworthy bicycle mechanic. While basic maintenance should always be your responsibility, being able to draw on the skill and expertise of a professional when the going gets tough makes perfect sense.

Sources: (Outside Online) (Bicycle Universe) (Bicycle2Work) (Halfords)

See also: Cycling culture around the world

© Shutterstock