How to Perform Common Bicycle Maintenance

We all love riding our bikes. It's a gas-free and planet-friendly wayto get around and knock that workout off of our "to do" list. Ifyou want to keep your bike in good working order you need to take careof it. Routine maintenance doesn't need to be a chore. This how towill break it down into manageable steps.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Your Bike
• A Rag
• Water or Bike Cleaner

Every time you ride

1. Inspect the bike for broken parts, chain position or anything else that may require a trip to the repair shop.

2. Check the tire pressure. Using an air pressure gauge, make sure that your tires are at their recommended PSI. This is usually printed on the side of the tire, in case you don't know the number already. If you are under inflated use your bike pump to get to the right number.

3. Clean the bike at the end of your ride you can use a damp cloth or a water, but do not use soap. Dry the bike completely.

4. Store the bike in a dry, covered place.

Monthly

5. Lubricate the pedal mechanisms (being sure not to get the pedal itself) and the brakes (being sure to avoid the brake pads). You do this by spraying bike lubrication on a rag and rubbing the areas you wish to lubricate.

6. Clean the chain. Rub the chain with a citrus or bike degreaser. This is best done while the bike is upside down. Use the pedals to move the chain.

7. Change the batteries in your headlight if they are running low on power.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a specialty bike lubricant
• You can use a bike cleaner but you don't need to in most cases water is fine.
• Don't ride a bike with obvious defects. Take it to a repair shop.

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