Top Bike Maintenance TipsSome advice on how to make sure your bike is road worthy
The 'ABC' Check
One of the quickest ways of making sure your bike is safe to ride if you use it often is the ABC check.
A - Air. Is there air in the tyres?
B - Brakes. Are the brakes working and will they stop you?
C - Chain. Is the chain in good condition and does it go round smoothly?
If you can answer 'Yes' to all of the above, you're good to go!
A complete bike checkover is well worth doing at the beginning of the bike season, and the 'M' check is the most thorough way of making sure everything is working correctly.
The 'M' check refers to the shape of the bike frame which riders should follow when performing this maintenance.
Rear Wheel
The check starts at the point the rear wheel joins the bike.
Check:
- The rear wheel is firmly attached to the bike.
- The spokes are all straight, undamaged and aren't loose.
- The rims & then tyre treads, checking for any holes and that the tread hasn't worn down to the canvas underneath.
Rear Brakes
Then move up along the frame to the rear brakes.
Check:
- The rear brake works by spinning the wheel and pulling the brake lever.
- When you release the rear brake lever that the wheel can turn un-hindered.
Saddle
After that move up the frame to the saddle.
Check:
- The saddle isn't loose and is at the right height for the user.
Cranks/Chain
Then move down the frame to the cranks/chain.
Check:
- The chain & crank mechanism can move smoothly.
- The chain & crank mechanism are properly oiled.
Headset
Move up along the frame to the headset at the front of the bike.
Check:
- Hold the front tyre straight and move the handlebars left & right. If the headset twists and the handlebars & wheel move out of line, you need to tighten the headset.
Front Wheel
Finally move down the front of the bike.
Check:
- The suspension forks (if you have them) move smoothly when pressed on and return to their original position.
- The front wheel is firmly attached to the bike.
- The spokes are all straight, undamaged and aren't loose.
- The rims & then tyre treads, checking for any holes and that the tread hasn't worn down to the canvas underneath.
Don't forget...
On any bike journey it's a good idea to bring a drink, small snack and more importantly a small tool/repair kit. This can include a replacement inner tube, puncture repair kit, pump & a set of allen keys.
|
 |
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
|
|||||||
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
 |
Dr. Bike - website | |||||||
|
