A dirty drivetrain will wear out more quickly than a clean, well-lubed drivetrain and it isn’t cheap to replace! It’s a good idea to degrease and re-lube your drivetrain every couple of weeks. CLICK HERE for everything you need to know about tire pressure, checking your brakes, and keeping your gears in tip-top shape.Ĭleaning your bike isn’t all about looks – it could actually save you money in the long run! Even if you’re only riding on the road in dry conditions, your drivetrain (consisting of your chain, gears, and derailleur) attracts dirt and grime. The ABC safety check (or Air, Brakes, Chain) is a simple way to remember what you need to look out for. Over time, your tires will lose air, bolts can become loose, and your parts will eventually wear out and need to be replaced. Know your ABCs (Air, Brakes, Chain), and check them before every ride!ĭoing a quick safety check on your bike before every ride is essential. You can also check out our guide to bike fit HERE.Ģ. If you have any questions about bike fit adjustments, swing by your local bike shop. On most bikes, you can adjust where your brakes and shifters are on the handlebar and dial in your levers, so you aren’t straining to reach them. Next, make sure you can easily reach your brake levers and shifters for safety and comfort while riding. Make small adjustments until your saddle height feels right. As a general rule, you want only a slight bend in your knee at the bottom of your pedal stroke.
Bike workshop basics full#
You might also experience knee pain because you’re not getting full leg extension. When your saddle is too low, you won’t be as efficient when you pedal. Making some basic fit adjustments on your bike before you head out for your first ride is important for your safety, comfort, and enjoyment! Let’s be honest if you’re not comfortable on your bike then you won’t have fun, and if you’re not having fun you probably won’t want to ride your bike very much.įirst up, check your saddle height.
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Some cities, trailheads, and greenways have public bike repair stations with a complete set of handy tools, bike pump, and a repair stand. You don’t need a ton of stuff to get into biking, but it’s good to know where you can access these items if you need them. But, with some knowledge and practice, you can feel confident knowing your bike is ready to roll for each ride.Ĭheck out some of our favorite DIY beginner bike maintenance tips below! Tools & Supplies
Bike workshop basics how to#
If you’re new to cycling, learning how to setup and maintain your bike can be an intimidating step. Basic bike maintenance will also help the parts of your bike last longer.
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Now what? All bicycles require some setup to ensure you’ll be comfortable and safe while riding. Be careful not to strip the nuts when using and adjustable wrench.įor wiping your chain or your hands, carry along a rolled up microfiber cloth.So, you’ve got a new bike.
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On many bikes, a 15mm metric wrench is what’s needed, or:Ĭarry an adjustable wrench if the two wheels have differently sized axle nuts. The optional needle attachment makes application easier.įor any bike not equipped with quick release wheels, you should carry a metric wrench for removing the axle nuts in the event of a flat. We love Dumonde Tech bike oil, which cleans your chain as it lubricates, and creates a nice, slippery coating with repeated use.
Bike workshop basics portable#
You don’t have to carry it with you, but if you are assembling a portable bike kit, a small, securely closed bottle of oil will usually fit easily in the bag and be handy whenever you need it. More complex kits include chain breakers, torques tools and even bottle openers, but a basic <$20 kit will do the job.īicycle-specific chain oil. 4, 5 and 6mm allen wrenches will handle most of the basic bike needs, such as seat adjustment, loose water-bottle and rack bolts and more. Such a tool will usually include a flat head and phillips screwdriver and several sizes of metric allen wrenches.