Some Bike Maintenance Tips

Common problems we see

We see a lot of the same problems on bikes we service in our workshop. Below are some of the common issues, and how to avoid them:

• Worn out drivetrain. This occurs when the bicycle chain has been ridden past its acceptable limit of wear. The chain stretches as it wears (which can be accelerated by poor/improper chain lubrication methods) which will eventually wear out the rear cogs (cassette/cluster) and then the front cogs (chainrings). If the entire drivetrain is worn, it must be replaced all at once to keep the bike running well, which can be expensive.
  To avoid this problem: keep your chain clean and well lubed (see below). Chains should be replaced before they are worn past the acceptable wear limit, allowing the majority of the drivetrain to remain in good condition.
  
• Worn out gear and brake cables. Gear and brake inner cables require a near-frictionless interface through the outer housing to work effectively. Over time, the outer housing and inner cables become clogged with dust and grime, making braking and accurate gear shifting very hard to achieve.
  To avoid this problem: have good quality gear and brake cables installed on your bike. You'll notice the difference immediately! Good quality cables are pre-lubed, have low-friction coatings, and excellent dust seals to prevent contamination. Good quality cables will last much longer than cheap cables before requiring replacement.
  
• Rough bearings in hubs, bottom bracket, and headset. Bike bearings and other moving parts can quite easily become contaminated and corroded if the bike is washed with a hose and/or compressed air. Pressurised water or air can penetrate the seals protecting the bearings, introducing water and dirt which can lead to corrosion and damaged bearing surfaces. This can be quite costly to fix!
  To avoid this problem: Don't use a hose to clean your bike! Use a soft brush or rag with some soapy warm water to clean your bike, and avoid soaking or vigorously scrubbing the bearing areas on your bike.

Simple things you can do

Here are two very simple maintenance tips that anyone can do!

• Keep your tyres inflated to within the recommended pressure range (found on the sidewall of your tyres). This makes riding easier and safer, and prolongs the life of your tyres. Check pressure regularly - every 2 weeks to 1 month - as it is normal for tyres to deflate over time.
  
• Lube your chain properly! We sell bike chain lube, so if you don't have any you can pick some up from us. The idea is to lube the internals of the chain (more so than the chain against the drivetrain) so once you have applied the lube, it is important to wipe off as much excess as possible. Otherwise, this will attract dirt and grit to your chain, increasing the wear. Your chain should be cleaned and lubed anywhere from every ride to once a month, depending on riding frequency and conditions.