Bike maintenance: basic procedures and tools - tips from Motozilla
Owning a bicycle not only provides a great opportunity to enjoy an active lifestyle and the outdoors, but also requires regular maintenance to maintain optimal performance and safety. Proper maintenance of your bike will help prevent possible breakdowns, improve its performance and increase its lifespan. In this article, Motozilla will review the basic bike maintenance procedures and the tools you need to perform them.
Cleaning and lubrication
Before you start servicing your bike, especially after riding on muddy or dusty roads, you need to clean your bike. Use a brush or soft cloth to remove dirt, dust, and other contaminants from the frame, drivetrain, and components.
After cleaning, lubricate the important mechanical parts of the bike. Key areas that need lubrication include the chain, sprockets, pedal bearings, and carriage bearings. Use special bicycle lubricants designed to reduce friction and wear.
Adjusting the brakes
Brakes are one of the most important systems on a bicycle, providing safety and control while riding. Bicycle brake parts are expensive, so carefully check the condition of your brake pads and brake rims, as well as the tension of your cables or hydraulic brakes. Make sure that the brakes are responsive and even.
Adjusting the gear shifters
Well-tuned gearshifters ensure smooth shifting and a comfortable ride. Check the settings of the front and rear shifters, as well as the cables or hydraulic lines for wear or damage. Adjust the shifters so that shifting is accurate and smooth.
Check the tire pressure
Correct tire pressure is important for safety and comfort while cycling. Use a tire gauge to check your tire pressure and make sure it is within the manufacturer's recommendations. Insufficient pressure can lead to instability and increased tire wear, and excessive pressure can reduce traction.
Basic tools
You will need some cycling tools to perform bike maintenance. Here's a list of basic tools that will be useful:
- Wrenches for setting up and adjusting bike components.
- Hex wrenches of different sizes to adjust bolts and screws.
- Spoke wrench for checking and adjusting spoke tension.
- A tire inflation pump with a suitable valve.
- Cleaning products for cleaning and lubricating components.
Regular maintenance of your bike will help you keep it in good condition and extend its life. Perform cleaning, lubrication, brake and shifter adjustments, and tire pressure checks. Be sure to have the necessary tools to perform these procedures. And remember that in the event of serious breakdowns or if you lack experience, it is best to contact a professional for assistance.