Maintenance Tips

• One of the advantages that bikes have over cars is that they are relatively low-maintenance.
• Keep the tyres pumped up, make sure the chain is oiled and at the right tension and keep an eye on the brakes and there really isn’t much that can go wrong.
• But that doesn’t mean that you can buy it, ride it and ignore it. Get into a regular routine of cleaning and lubricating your bike and it will repay you with many years – probably even decades – of loyal service.
• Keeping it clean and checking it over once a week will enable you to spot and damage, wear and tear or adjustments that are needed. Not only will this keep you safer, but riding a well set-up machine is easier, more efficient and more fun!
• Off-road bikes in particular benefit from a good wash, particularly after a day in the mud. Places like Bedgebury now provide facilities for washing bikes alongside the showers for their more adventurous visitor.
• Be careful if you use any kind of ‘jetwash’ as this can force water into places it shouldn’t go. Make sure you re-lubricate any bits that need it after hosing off the mud.
• Ask your favourite dealer about the products available for lubricating the different parts of your machine. The days of “one oil for everything” are long gone. Teflon or PTFE-based products are best for cables while lubricants that ‘adhere’ are best suited for chains.
• Look after your brakes and keep them well adjusted - for obvious reasons. Gears may seem complicated, but most of the derailleur type have a fairly simple screw adjustment – just read the manual first before fiddling!

There is lots more bike maintenance information on the website. A good place to start looking for links is at Bikeforall

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