For Smooth Sailing, Tune Up Your Bike for Spring

©Deborah Carew

©Deborah Carew

Before you dust out your bike and hit the Peddles and Pastry route, you might want to give your wheels some TLC so the only stops you make are ones you choose. The local hills provide breathtaking views, and getting to the top can be breath taking as well. The last thing you need is to have something seize up or malfunction while careening down those hills. There are some basic checks that require minimal expertise and can identify potential problems before they stop you in your tracks. Be a boy scout- be prepared!

Cleaning your bike is the first step to identifying possible issues ahead. As you clean it, look for signs of wear that could point to future breakdowns. Clean every part of the bike with a gentle cleanser to extend its life expectancy. A tooth brush can get into the small crevices and allow a thorough job. Remove the seat post and clear dirt from the post as well as inside the frame, applying some grease to the post before putting it back into place.

Just like a car, there are key mechanical parts that should be checked after a long period of storage. Brakes, gears, tires, are all things that should have a once over to ensure the bike is road-ready.

The ability to stop cannot be over-rated, so checking brake pads is a priority. Replace them if there are signs of wear or if they have hardened with age. A ridge in the pad indicates they need adjusting. Test them by squeezing the brakes to be sure the pads strike at the same time. Brake tension is adjusted with a tension screw on the brake arm. Pads that are not properly aligned can cause uneven tire wear, leading to blow outs on the road.

Examine the tires for wear and to ensure they are inflated to the correct pressure. Look for splits cracks or tears in the tire sidewall, and replace the tires if required. Wheel rims can be cleaned with a cloth and rubbing alcohol. Spin the wheels to see how they turn, a wobble can be corrected with a spoke wrench. Major tweaking calls for expert help, so take it to a shop.

Chains and cables should be lubricated to help them function smoothly. Apply an even coat of lubrication to the chain on the inside and outside of each link and between the pins and rollers. Leave it on for a few minutes, then wipe off the excess with a rag. A few drops should be added to the cables at the nipple end. Gore-Tex and other Teflon cables should never be lubricated. All the pivot points on the front and rear derailleur should be oiled. Apply a few drops to the brake lever pivots and to the exposed brake cable.

You might not understand the mechanics of your gears, but you know that shifting action should be smooth. If your gears skip, you can adjust the derailleur, but if that fails, you may need to replace your chain, cog set or chain rings. Chains that are sloppy or stretch should be replaced, as a sloppy chain can wear out other parts.

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