As the seasons transition from unbearably hot to not-so-hot, the call of the outdoors can be irresistible. We find that hopping on a bike is one of the best ways to get out there, enjoy the fresh air and get those leg muscles pumping.
Whether you’re a daily rider or just getting started, cycling taps into joy as well as community. But before you break out your mountain, fixed-gear or BMX bike, it’s essential to make sure everything is in working order.
Doing your ABCs—checking the air, brakes and chain—can prevent unnecessary wear and tear and the possibility of being stuck on the side of the road. Kade Smith, a bike mechanic at Southwest bike and coffee shop Pedal & Pour, walked us through the must-know maintenance tips and checks that every rider should follow to keep their bike in top condition and make the most our of their rides.
AIR
This may seem like common sense, but the easiest thing to overlook is low tire pressure. Over-inflated? You risk blowing the tire out. Under-inflated? You’ll lose efficiency, grip and can end up with a pinch flat.
Although many of us may think a quick pump is enough to get rolling, experts warn that it does more harm than good to eyeball the inflation level.
“Bike tires are like car tires, they’re going to lose air over time,” says Smith. “Depending on the tire size, there are certain pressures.”
Find the tire’s recommended PSI on the sidewall of the tire. Using a pressure gauge is the easiest way to get it right the first time, and nowadays many pumps come with an attached gauge.
Brakes
Unless you’re an expert in skid stopping, brakes are your safety net, so it’s best to not cut corners here. Lift one end of the bike at a time and give each tire a spin, making sure they both move freely. “If your bike is routed with cables, the more miles you put on, the more it’s going to stretch,” Smith says of the brake pads.
Give the hand levers a squeeze—when working properly, they should feel firm, with no need to yank them all the way down to the handlebars. If they’re loose or take too long to engage, adjust the cable tension or replace the brake pads if worn down. If you have disc brakes, inspect the rotator and make sure there is no rubbing and that the rotor itself isn’t warped.
Chain and cranks
The chain and cranks are essential for transferring power to your wheels. A poorly maintained chain can stifle momentum, cause gear slips or even snap mid-ride.
Smith suggests starting by checking the chain for wear, rust or stretching—if it shows significant wear, it’s time for a new one. Additionally, keeping your chain clean and lubricated extends its life. After every ride, especially in dusty conditions, wipe it down with a rag to remove grime. Smith says, “if you don’t wipe it off, and then you go on a ride, all the dirt is going to cling to that lube and just make it really gunky.”
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