Mike’s Tips
Tire Check
The best way to keep from getting a flat is to constantly check your tires for debris. Once a week deflate your tire and check for glass or anything else that might have got lodged in during the weeks ride.
Plan Ahead
Have your bike tuned two weeks before your special race or event!
Multi Tool
Carry a multi tool with a chain breaker on your ride or commute; if the chain breaks, you can fix it instead of walking!
Be Aware
Don't ignore loose hub, headset and bottom bracket bearings. Have it inspected by a shop as soon as possible to prevent more costly repairs in the future.
Rechargeable Lights
During the spring and summer months, give your battery full charge once a month.
Check your owner’s manual (website) for the manufactures’ recommendation.
Locks
Twice a year, lubricate your lock cylinder and locking mechanism, to prevent them from rusting. Bike locks don’t last forever. Rusted and worn out locks should be replaced.
Flat Tire
After flatting on the road, make sure that you do not install a new inner tube without first checking the inside of the tire casing to see if there are any sharp objects poking through. There's nothing worse than installing a new inner tube only to have it go flat as it gets inflated cause the same nail that caused your first flat is still embedded in the tire.
Chain Wear
Don't forget to check chain wear. Start by putting a slight bit of pressure on the pedals to tension the chain. Then hold a ruler against the chain. On a new chain, the distance of 12 full links, pin to pin, is 12 inches. If 12 links on your chain measure 12-1/8 inch or more, then it is time for a new chain. If you replace your chain on a regular basis, you will get longer wear out of your chainrings and cassette cogs.
Lubing your Chain
Oil that you can see on the chain is useless. Most cyclists over oil their chains. Put one drop in the inside of the chain across the barrel so the oil also contacts the inside of the side plates. Work the chain lube into the pins and bushings by spinning the cranks slowly for a minute or so, and then wipe off every bit of oil from the chain and sprockets. Oil inside the chain provides lubrication- oil on the outside attracts dirt and wears out the drivetrain. Also, don't lube the chain right before you ride. Do it the evening before to allow time for it to enter the chain, evaporate, harden and dry.
Poor Shifting?
The most common cause of poor shifting is a stretched cable. Fortunately, derailleurs have small adjustment barrels. If the derailleur is hesitating shifting toward the spokes, turn the barrel toward the spokes in 1/4-turn increments until the shifting occurs with each click. Do the opposite if the derailleur is hesitating shifting away from the spokes.
Quick Release
Make sure you check that all your quick release levers are tightened down before each time you go on a ride.
Keep Your Bike Clean
By keeping your bike clean all year round, it will make it last longer and run better. Take a rag and some rubbing alcohol and wipe down your frame after each long ride. Every couple of months use bicycle degreaser to clean the frame and drivetrain. This is the best way to keep the grit off your bike and on the road.
Time to Test
Now comes the time to test out your rechargeable lights and make sure they will be ready when the fall comes. Make sure that you try them out now and get any new parts you need before the light companies get too busy. This will help you be prepared to use the light when you need it.