Many people use their bikes for the commute to work nowadays, it’s a cheap mode of transport that also cuts down on your carbon footprint while keeping you fit and healthy – not a bad way to travel if you ask us! What you may forget to do with your bicycle, however, is service it.
Servicing your bike (or fine-tuning it) is important to ensure it is in top condition, it is so crucial to the condition of the bike that we recommend you commit to one at least once a year; but if you use it every day then every three to four months would be best. Just think: cars must be given an MOT every year, and your bike should be no different.
If you’re unsure of what to do when it comes to fine-tuning your own bike but you don’t have the money to put towards a professional servicing then don’t worry – you can perform a servicing yourself in your own home if you have the right equipment. Save yourself a few pennies; with the help of Steed Bikes, here’s our IDEAL guide to servicing your own bike.
The Tools
For this you will need an array of wenches, which if you don’t already have at your disposal, are straightforward to find – most bicycle shops will stock them, all you have to do is ask. You will need an air pump and a pressure gauge to tune up the tyres. Chain oil, sandpaper and some lubricant to make sure that everything glides smoothly.
Finally, and most easily sourced, you will need some good old-fashioned dish soap, a few trusty rags, a bucket of water and a heaping helping of elbow grease.
Take It Apart
Firstly you will have to disconnect the brakes so you can remove each wheel on your bike – in doing this you will make it far simpler for yourself when it comes to cleaning the frame and attending to the needs of the wheels.
Read: Useful tips to help you take care of your bicycle
Wheels
Taking one of your rags, making sure that it is dry first, clean between all the nooks and crannies of the wheels which includes the hubs, sprockets, rims and spokes of both wheels so all visible dirt and grime is gone. If there’s any dirt that refuses to lift, that’s where the soapy water comes in – dip your rag in the soapy water and put that aforementioned elbow grease in.
When it comes to air pressure, everyone’s bike is different. It was usually point to the desired air pressure on your manual you got with the bike, but if that has been misplaced then it’s best to ask a professional their opinion. Check the pressure using your gauge and adjust accordingly. Here’s a more in-depth guide to adjusting tyre pressure.
Frame
Take a clean rag and scrub literally every part of the bike frame so it is gleaming, it’s best to work with the cleanest areas and save the dirtiest till the end so you don’t use up too many rags – as before, dip it in soapy water if you’re having trouble lifting dirt.
Inspect the frame thoroughly for anything that could resemble wearing/cracking. Even if you find a hairline crack you need to take that bike for repairs as it could spell disaster on the roads. Cables should also be inspected and taken for repairs if any fraying has occurred. All nuts and bolts should be tightened so they are secure – but be careful not to be too tight!
Brakes
The brakes are crucial to your bike, so make sure you don’t neglect them. Check for any wear to the brake pads and be sure to delicately sand ridges off with the sandpaper. If the pads have worn past their indicator line, then it’s time to replace them.
Lubricate
To be sure that everything glides smoothly as it should, drop a bit of lubricant into the cable housings as well as the pivot points of the brake/shift parts. Do NOT lubricate the brake pads as you need them to have friction in order to be able to stop you in your tracks.
Rebuild & Ride
Put all the parts you’ve just disassembled back onto the bike and adjust everything according to how you like it. Make sure that you give it a rest ride before you go on any long-haul rides or you could face major problems – check all the gears and the brakes are functioning as they should, fixing if necessary.
Now you’re ready to ride, check out these 6 of Europe’s most cycle friendly holiday destinations. We’ll see you on the road!