Bicycle Maintenance: Know Your Ride

The Anatomy of a Bike

It is helpful to learn the parts of a bike. This will enable you to talk to your bicycle mechanic and is necessary for learning basic maintenance techniques.

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Reflective and light-coloured clothing is important for keeping you visible to drivers at night and in inclement weather. For versatility, try wearing a retro-reflective triangle or vest. You can also place reflective tape on your helmet, panniers or bike trailer.

Good bike maintenance is essential for safe, efficient and enjoyable riding. Proper and regular care for your bike will save you unexpected time and hassle, and will ensure that your bike lasts many years, even decades.

• Clean your bike often. This will vary according to how often, where, how far and what conditions you ride in. In wet weather, wipe your rims and brake pads every few days. In winter months, regularly and very carefully wipe your bike down using a kettle of just boiled water.
• Keep your chain clean. A dirty chain will create friction and resistance and will slow you down. The dirt and grit that accumulates on a dirty chain ultimately acts like sandpaper: it will wear down your chain and its parts. Clean your chain by back-pedaling it through a rag with a special cleaner. Lubricate your chain after you clean it. Ask your local bike shop what products are best for this job.
• Flat tires happen. It is inevitable that one day you will experience a flat tire (probably the one day you are running late!) Once you learn how to change a flat, it shouldn't delay you for more than 10 minutes. Ask a friend or your bike mechanic to show you the ropes and practice at home!

Tires and Wheels

Check your tires often. Be sure there is enough air in the tires - low pressure will damage your rims. It is a good idea to regularly check for slow or potential leaks -small punctures or embedded material. For safety and handling, check the tire for proper traction. Check for cracks and replace tires as appropriate.

Rotate your tires. Your rear tire wears down 3 times as fast as your front tire! If you periodically switch the front and back tires you will get more life out of them.

Check your rims. Rims are an important part of your braking system. Good rims should be smooth and flat on their surface. As they wear they will become concave in shape from the friction of the brake pads rubbing against them. This is a sign your bike needs new rims. As more wear occurs, cracks and splinters will appear. Change your rims immediately! This could be very dangerous. Ensure your wheels are trued.

Spinning spokes. In order for your wheel and rim to function properly they need equally-distributed support from your spokes. No spokes can be loose, missing or bent. Otherwise, rims will become warped.

Chains and Chainrings

Lose that loose chain. If you find your chain falling off a lot or it is very loose, it could be a sign that it is stretched. Stretched chains should be replaced. If you are unsure take it to a bike shop to be measured. Leaving a loose chain for too long could result in having to replace your whole drive-train.

Dull that chainring. Chainrings should not be sharp and pointy like a saw blade. Check for warn or broken teeth and replace if necessary.

Brakes, Gears and Cables

First-class brakes. Be safe and ensure that your brakes are always in good working order. Keep them lined up with the rim so they don't rub against your tires (causing a flat) or your spokes (causing a crash). When the grooves on your brake pads begin to wear and disappear, replace them! Make sure the pads are not unevenly worn down. If they are, trim them flat with a utility knife and adjust them or take your bike into a repair shop. Keep your brakes tight - loose brakes will squeal, grind or the brake levers will touch the handlebars. Always ensure your brakes are in top condition.

Care for cables. Cables can stretch with time and wear. You should periodically check for broken strands at either end of the cable. Look for rust or corrosion and check for cracks and breaks in the cable housing. Have them replaced if they start to feel stiff. Your shift and brake levers should work smoothly and without much force.

Grip your gears. Your gears will need adjustment from time to time. When they begin to shift on their own, it's definitely time to have them looked at. Also listen for clicking or watch for gears that don't engage. New bikes will need gear adjustments more often. Have someone show you where the adjustment points are (this is easier than you think) or ask your bike mechanic to do it.