Bike maintenance in 10 steps

With the bike season getting closer, it’s the perfect time to get a bike inspection and tune up before you get out on the roads. Here are 10 steps and advices given by the founder of Technocycle, Denise Belzil, as well as the writer of a book about bicycle’s mechanics.

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Technocycle x Oberson

1- Make sure you check your tires’ pressure and condition, mainly if your bike was stored on its wheels. It is imperative to inflate the tires to their maximum and to make them spin in order for you to see any deformations, cracks, holes or dryness.

2- Make sure the wheels are well fixed and attached to the frame and that the quick release mechanisms are tight.

3- Take the time to check and make sure the major screws, bolts and accessories are well fixed on the bike. (seat post screw, handlebar screw, stem screw, water bottle cage, luggage rack, etc.)

4- Carefully check the brakes (too tight or too loose) and its levers. Watch for any uneven use of the brake pads by simply looking at the line at the top of the brake pads. You should also look for residues that could eventually damage or scratch them.

5- Test the synchronization of the front and back derailleurs as well as the gears’ changing rhythm. If they don’t flow normally, we strongly recommend you to bring your bike to a specialized bike shop.

6- Insist on cleaning up the chain, which can simply be done with a rag. If it needs to be lubricated, which is almost always the case, use fine oil. If it is dirty, use a degreaser and wipe off the excess. If the chain is too old and really rusted, you should have it changed by one of our qualified technicians.

7- Think about having the derailleur’s pivots lubricated with fine oil. You can use the same one you used for the chain.

8- It is really important to tune up your bike at the beginning of the season if you are used to do more than 2000 km per season.

9- You should also think about having a good lighting system for those early spring rides as the night falls quickly. You can use reflective bands in addition to the lighting system to be more visible by the other road users.

10- It is always a good idea to verify if last year’s problems have all been solved. A thorough inspection of these last essential reminders will help you explain our technicians what needs to be done, or pieces to be changed on your bike when you visit us next.

All you have to do now, after going over all these steps, is to rediscover the joys of biking all summer long!