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Tuesday, August 16, 2011

A Few Steps For Performing Road Bike Maintenance

By Paul Phillips


Road bike maintenance is ever as important as maintaining any other vehicle because if not properly maintained the vehicle will break down. Below are a few tips for keeping a bicycle up and running in good condition. Because each model is different, it is important to save the user manual.

For obvious reasons, the first step in the routine is keeping everything clean and this includes the chain and gears. In order to clean the chain and gears, a degreaser will be needed and can be purchased online or at a bicycle shop. With the degreaser in hand, a rag is dipped into the degreasing compound and applied to the chain and gears to remove any debris.

After the frame and chain have been properly cleaned then the next step is to lube up the chain and gears. This part of the process requires chain lube which can also be purchased online or at a shop. When the lube has been applied, removing any excess amounts with a rag will help it dry faster as it needs to completely dry before riding.

Tire pressure is another point to cover as low tires will make all the difference in the world when operating the machine. If the tires are low then there is a greater risk of receiving a flat while out riding around. Low air pressure also makes the pedaling all that much harder and in turn makes for an uncomfortable experience.

In the event that the bicycle has not been cleaned for a long period of time then it should be washed thoroughly. To do a thorough cleaning job, the bicycle may be suspended in the air using a stand or ceiling hook. Once suspended the wheels can be removed and washed separately using the same soapy water used to clean the rest of the assembly.

In addition to proper cleaning the working parts such as the cables will need to be lubed at least four times a year and in some cases more frequently. If the bicycle is ridden in dusty or wet weather then the cable covering should be regularly checked to make sure they are in good condition. Brake pads need to be examined to make sure they are still in working order and do not require replacement.

When a person develops a solid road bike maintenance routine they will ensure that the bicycle stays in top running condition for a very long time. The care and time put into a regiment like this will pay off in the end guaranteed. More detailed instructions can be found online or at a local repair shop specializing in bicycles.




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