Basic Bicycle Maintenance
To Avoid Bicycle Repair

Basic Bicycle Maintenance

A true cyclist is a blend of both athlete and mechanic; one who knows how to push their body forward and also knows how to care for their vehicle.

For anyone who is pushing their bikes to the limit, either on the trails or on grueling commutes, repairs are often necessary.

In order to be autonomous, cyclist need at least a basic understanding of bicycle maintenance so that they can keep moving forward. Here are some of the basic principals to keep in mind:

Care for your Chains

Cyclists need to maintain a clean and lubricated bicycle chain in order to ensure a smooth ride. Dirty or dry chains can slow you down. You're best off using a light weight motor oil to keep your chain greased and moving smoothly. Also, it's common practice to replace your bicycle chain every thousand miles.

Also make sure you carry all the required tools with you as you ride. Here's more information about bicycle repair kit.

It is wise to replace the bicycle chain every 1000 miles or so. New bicycle chains are not that expensive, and by doing that you can save the need to replace other - more expensive parts.

Check Your Break Pads Periodically

Bicycle brake pads are the rubber clamps that press against the rim of your wheel in order to slow down or come to a complete stop. Having your break pads frequently inspected is one of the best ways to avoid problems on the road.

Make sure there's no debris or any kind of foreign objects lodged within your break pads, and also make sure they are properly aligned, clasping the rim of your wheel and not the tire itself.

Check the Air Pressure of the Tires

While you're inspecting your break pads, also check the air pressure on your tires. This is a quick and easy task that can go a long way in preventing getting a flat tire while out on a on long ride. Firm tires allows for smooth, repair-free rides.

Bicycle tires filled with the right amount of air will give you:

Rim protection
Longer tire life
Easier pedaling
Lower chances of having a flat tire

Use Common Sense When Doing Basic Bicycle Maintenance

Some novice cyclists forget to use common sense when caring for their bicycle, leaving it to rust in heavy rain or to freeze all winter.

Store your bike in a dry, insulated area where it will be safe. Do your best to keep it clean, lubricating pivot points as necessary. Be careful, however, not to over-lubricate your bike. Just add enough oil to keep things moving at optimal efficiency.

For more information about bicycle maintenance, visit your local bike shop for a consultation or invest in a manual that will guide you through basic maintenance and simple bicycle repairs.

These are just some of the most helpful tips that I can give you when it comes to maintaining the proper functioning of your bicycle. Basic bicycle maintenance is easy to do and should not give you many problems. As a last piece of advice, you should follow this bicycle repair manual and do bicycle maintenance and repair every other day to keep your bicycle in good condition.