Basic Bike Maintenance

Like any machine, a bicycle will work better and last longer if it is properly maintained.
By carrying out certain simple maintenance jobs on a regular basis you can avoid
expensive repairs and increase the pleasure of cycling.

It is advisable to take your bike for an annual service, however with a little investment
in tools and time, the majority of repair and maintenance can be carried out at home.

What you Need
There are a range of bicycle tools available, however all you need to start with are
screwdrivers, Allen Keys, spanners, a pump, tyre levers, cleaning rags,
an old toothbrush and a puncture repair kit.

Daily Maintenance
Each day you use your bike, give it a quick once over, in particular,
check the condition of the tyre's and their pressure.

Weekly Maintenance
Lubricate exposed moving parts of the bike, such as the chain and gear
mechanism taking care not to get any on the wheel rims or brake blocks.
Clean off any dirt and grease of wheel rims with a cloth.

Monthly Maintenance
Wheels:
Check tyre pressure and condition. make sure your wheels are properly fastened and in line with the frame.
Brakes:
Make sure that the blocks are not rubbing on the tyre when you apply your brakes, also check that the blocks hit the rim squarely and do not slide under the rim. Check that the blocks are not overly worn and that they connect with the rim cleanly.
Cables:
Check that neither the gear or brake cables are frayed. If they are replace them.
Tyre's:
These should be inflated correctly to manufacturers recommendations and check the amount of tread left, if indoubt replace them.
Steering:
Check for any looseness in the handlebars and stem and adjust if required.
Pedals:
These should spin freely so check the pedal axles for looseness and not bent.
Frame:
Regularly inspect the frame for any damage.
Ensure the seat height is correct and seat post bolt/clamp is tight.
Lubrication:
Apply lubrication to front and rear mechs, brake holder pivots, all entry and exit points on cable outers, chain, brake lever pivot points and reapply lubrication at the end of each days riding.
Chain:
A dirty chain makes the bike harder to pedal and can lead to rapid wear
of both the chain and the gears. it is good practice to regularly clean the chain and then to re-lubricate it.
Wipe or wash off any mud or muck - then clean the chain with a degreaser either by hand or using a inexpensive chain cleaner tool. Allow to dry and re-lubricate with a chain oil.

A stiff, damaged or worn chain will cause gear shifting problems and wear to the gear teeth.
To check if the chain is worn - use a 12" steel ruler and measure 12 links (each link is 1" long).
Measure from pin centre to pin centre - if the measurement is greater than 12-3/16 inches you should renew the chain as soon as possible to avoid expensive damage the gear cogs.

Split the chain with a chain splitter tool and remove.
Remove any surplus links to adjust the length of the new chain so it has the same number of links as the original chain.
Wrap the new chain around gears and join using the special joining link supplied.
Ensure you buy the correct chain for the number of gears that are in the rear gear cluster.
8 and 9 speed cassettes use a narrower chain.

If in doubt get your local bike shop to change it.

Punctures

Punctures don't happen often but they are the most common form of breakdown, so it's worth knowing how to mend one and to carry tools and a repair kit with you - a good idea is to carry a spare inner tube - that way you can quickly change the tube and get on your way again - leaving the punctured tube to be fixed at home later.

Mending a Puncture

1. Release brake calipers and remove the wheel.
2. Use tyre levers to remove one side of the tyre from the rim, then remove the inner tube.
3. Check the surface of the tyre for anything stuck in the rubber then carefully run your fingers around the inside of the tyre to check for sharp objects, such as nails, thorns, glass etc. Remove the cause of the puncture and check again inside is all clear.
4. Find the hole in the tube, either by pumping it up and holding under water to look for bubbles or by feeling for escaping air.
5. Mark the hole and use sandpaper to scuff the area around the puncture - this helps to secure the glue.
6. Spread glue thinly and evenly over and around the hole and wait for glue to dry until it feels tacky to touch. Place a patch over the hole and apply pressure.
   (Glueless patches are now available).
7. Lightly pump up the tube. Place one edge of the tyre around the wheel rim and push the tube's valve into the rims hole. Starting from the valve, push the rest of the tube into the tyre. Ensure the valve stem is perpendicular to the rim and that the tube is not twisted. Once tube is inside the tyre, begin to place the second edge of the tyre back onto the rim. Most of this will go on easily, the rest will need the tyre levers to coax it over the rim - trying not to pinch the tube in the process. When complete, pump a little more air into the tube and check the tube is not caught between the rim and the tyre.
8. Slide wheel back into place on the bike and tighten the nuts evenly - ensuring wheel is aligned correctly in the frame. Re-connect the brakes.
9. Pump up the tyre to normal pressure and give the bike a short ride - ensuring the brakes are functioning correctly.

Total tyre failure due to riding over a broken bottle !!

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