How to Perform Routine Maintenance on a Bicycle

Your bicycle requires care to remain in optimal working condition. You want it to be ready when you are without having to tweak it every time you take a ride. You can perform routine inspection and maintenance yourself and avoid many expensive visits to the repair shop.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Check the tires for wear and damage, inflate the tires according to the specifications printed on the side of the tires and make sure the breaks are in good working order. Perform this inspection before each ride.

2. Schedule a monthly inspection if you ride your bicycle every day. Clean it with soap and water. Inspect the frame, bolts and wheels for signs of wear. Look for cracks in the frame welds, loose bolts, damaged spokes and wheels out of round. Degrease and lubricate the cogs, pulleys, chain, brakes and cable. Inspect the cables for rust and fraying and replace any damaged parts. Tighten any loose bolts.

3. Change the tires every 1,500 miles. Inspect and replace cables, brake pads and chain assembly when necessary. Clean and wax your bike to protect the finish and inspect the frame and frame joints for wear.

4. Disassemble and overhaul of your bicycle annually. Check all bearings, hubs, brackets, pedals, cables and brakes pads. Look for rust and corrosion and cracked rubber on the handlebar assembly, brakes and pedals. Replace handlebar tape, lubricate the frame and grease the pedal bearings.

Tips & Warnings

• Carry a set of bicycle tools, a tire repair kit and a bicycle tire pump with you at all times for quick repairs. If you perform routine bicycle maintenance, you probably won’t have many breakdowns out on the road.

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