If you have a road bike it is essential that you maintain it properly both for safety reasons and to ensure it lasts a long time. You do not want to be far from home and your bike lets you down so before you take your bike on the road make sure you check it for any problems and perform regular road bike maintenance.
Checking Your Bike
Every time you use your bike on the road you should make a quick check to ensure there are no cracks in the frame and that screws and bolts are tight. Carefully inspect the frame around any welds and do not use if there is any sign of cracking. Make sure the pedals are tightly fastened and that cables are in fgood condition and do not have signs of fraying.
Regular Road Bike Maintenance
Every two hundred miles or so the chain should be lubed with an oil specifically made for bikes and build up of dirt removed. This will extend the life of the chain. Check the pressure in the tires and inflate if necessary. Make sure the wheels are undamaged as nicks in the frame can allow air to be released and the tire pressure to decrease. Check that the gears are adjusted properly and that they can be changed smoothly.
Cleaning Your Road Bike
Things you will need
- Degreaser
- Soapy water and clean water
- Brush
Starting from the wheels use the brush and degreaser to clean the sprockets but be careful not to put too much degreaser on the bearings. Wash off the degreaser with clean, hot water then scrub the wheel spokes and brakes. You can also scrub the tires with soapy water to remove any dirt. Put the bike on a stand if you have one and then use the degreaser and brush to clean the chain, cranks etc. making sure not to get degreaser on the handlebars, seat or bearings. After allowing some time for the degreaser to work you can wash it off with hot water.
Now clean the around the brakes and fork, the seat and handlebars with soapy water making sure to clean under the seat then rinse with clean water. Allow the water to dry off then use a soft cloth to wipe it down. While cleaning the bike you can check for any cracks or damage. Brake cables need to be checked regularly and any frayed cables should be replaced immediately and you can also check brake blocks to make sure they aren't worn.
Conclusion
If you look after your road bike and maintain it properly it will last a long time and not let you down at the worse time!
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