Bicycling is an excellent cardio exercise that’s fun and inexpensive. People worldwide use their bikes for getting around, sporting, and staying healthy. To maximize these benefits, regular and proper bike maintenance is a must. Here’s some advice on how to maintain your bicycle for a long life.
Fill the Tires
Your bicycle’s tires are among its most essential components. They make direct contact with the terrain, and you want as little friction as possible between them and the ground for a smooth ride. If you don’t inflate your tires enough, the bottoms will become flat, making pedaling harder.
Check your tires regularly to ensure they have the correct pressure per square inch (psi). The number will depend on the type of tire you’re using, but it’s usually between 50–70 psi for medium-sized tires.
Clean the Chain
Another key thing to remember when maintaining your bicycle is the chain. The chain links must properly articulate through the drivetrain, or it could cause friction, degrading the parts over time. Sand, dirt, and other types of debris can build up, leading to component failure if you aren’t careful.
You can avoid these issues by remembering to clean your bike chain. Start by going over the chain with a rag or brush to remove any significant bits that have become stuck in the links. Then, use a chain cleaner and lubricant to polish it up and help protect it from future wear.
Tighten the Bolts
One thing that people always seem to forget on their bicycles is inspecting and tightening bolts, nuts, and other fasteners. The bicycle frame vibrates while in motion, especially over bumpy terrain, causing things to come loose. If not adequately maintained, something could come off, damaging the bike or causing an injury.
Before riding, use a wrench to check each bolt and ensure it’s correctly fastened. Be careful not to strip the head or screw it too tightly. Otherwise, this maintenance could become more difficult in the future.
Learn To Take Care of Your Bicycle So It Lasts
Whatever type of bicycling you prefer, you should ensure your ride is in top shape before going for a ride. Try creating a checklist so you don’t forget anything. Also, looking at the manufacturer’s manual and learning about your model can be helpful. With these tips, you can maintain your bicycle for a long life.
