Maintenance tips
One of the advantages that bikes have over cars is that they are
relatively low maintenance. Take a moment to review these quick
tips to ensure a safe and fun ride on your bike:
- Keep the tyres pumped up, make sure the chain is oiled and at
the right tension and check the brakes regularly
- Cleaning and lubricating your bike will repay you with many
years of loyal service
- Keeping it clean and checking it over once a week will enable
you to spot damage, wear and tear or adjustments that are needed.
Not only will this keep you safer, but riding a well set-up machine
is easier, more efficient and more fun!
- Off-road bikes, in particular, benefit from a good wash,
particularly after a day in the mud. Places like Bedgebury now
provide facilities for washing bikes alongside the showers for
their more adventurous visitor.
- Be careful if you use any kind of 'jetwash' as this can force
water into places it shouldn't go. Make sure you re-lubricate any
bits that need it after hosing off the mud.
- Ask your favourite dealer about the products available for
lubricating the different parts of your machine. The days of "one
oil for everything" are long gone. Teflon or PTFE-based products
are best for cables while lubricants that 'adhere' are best suited
for chains.
- Look after your brakes and keep them well adjusted. Gears may
seem complicated, but most of the derailleur type have a fairly
simple screw adjustment - just read the manual first.