All bikes need attention at some time whether you use it regularly or not. If you do not use it, it probably requirements more attention than if you do, but if you do use your bicycle a lot some aspects will require attention as well. In this article we will discuss some bicycle tune up tips that should put you ahead of the competition.
The first thing to check is the chain. If the chain is not correct, it will not transfer all your leg power to the wheels - it will be inefficient and you will have to work harder. Not only that, but if the chain is not correct, it can wear down the teeth on the cogs and they are far dearer to replace than the chain.
So, test the tension of the chain by moving it up and down from its normal position. It ought to move about a centimeter (less than half an inch) up and down from normal. If it is over this, slacken the wheel nuts off and tap the wheel back to increase the chain tension. If the wheel will not go back far enough, you need a new chain. Chains do stretch over time.
Next, assess the bearings in the pedal mechanism. Do this with the chain off to reduce ambient noise. Turn the pedal arms and wiggle each one from side to side. Listen and feel for friction. The arms ought to not move from side to side at all, although the pedals may.
If the bearings are just dry, shame on you, oil them, but if you have let it go too long and some bearings are damaged, replace them.
Take the wheels off and holding each one in turn by its spindle, spin them. Listen to the bearings in the hubs. Do they sound OK? Oil or replace the bearings. With the wheels in place, place the front wheel between your legs and hold it firm between your knees. Rock the handlebars from left to correct and back again a couple of times. Is there any play? If so, tighten the locking nut, oil the bearings or replace them.
Examine your brake handles and cables. Replace anything that is cracked, broken or showing signs of rust. Check your brake pads. If they are worn out of shape, replace them and fit new ones so that they will wear more evenly.
If the pads are misshapen then they were not fitted in the correct manner so your brakes were not working well for a while which means that you were lucky that you did not need them in an emergency situation.
When the brake pads have been fitted in the right manner, recheck the tension of the cables operating them. Tighten or slacken them as necessary.
If you are still growing, check the height of the saddle and raise it if necessary. If you have stopped growing upwards, check that the saddle nut is tight enough to keep the saddle in position even if you hit a pothole.
Last but not least, make sure that your lights and reflector are working.
The first thing to check is the chain. If the chain is not correct, it will not transfer all your leg power to the wheels - it will be inefficient and you will have to work harder. Not only that, but if the chain is not correct, it can wear down the teeth on the cogs and they are far dearer to replace than the chain.
So, test the tension of the chain by moving it up and down from its normal position. It ought to move about a centimeter (less than half an inch) up and down from normal. If it is over this, slacken the wheel nuts off and tap the wheel back to increase the chain tension. If the wheel will not go back far enough, you need a new chain. Chains do stretch over time.
Next, assess the bearings in the pedal mechanism. Do this with the chain off to reduce ambient noise. Turn the pedal arms and wiggle each one from side to side. Listen and feel for friction. The arms ought to not move from side to side at all, although the pedals may.
If the bearings are just dry, shame on you, oil them, but if you have let it go too long and some bearings are damaged, replace them.
Take the wheels off and holding each one in turn by its spindle, spin them. Listen to the bearings in the hubs. Do they sound OK? Oil or replace the bearings. With the wheels in place, place the front wheel between your legs and hold it firm between your knees. Rock the handlebars from left to correct and back again a couple of times. Is there any play? If so, tighten the locking nut, oil the bearings or replace them.
Examine your brake handles and cables. Replace anything that is cracked, broken or showing signs of rust. Check your brake pads. If they are worn out of shape, replace them and fit new ones so that they will wear more evenly.
If the pads are misshapen then they were not fitted in the correct manner so your brakes were not working well for a while which means that you were lucky that you did not need them in an emergency situation.
When the brake pads have been fitted in the right manner, recheck the tension of the cables operating them. Tighten or slacken them as necessary.
If you are still growing, check the height of the saddle and raise it if necessary. If you have stopped growing upwards, check that the saddle nut is tight enough to keep the saddle in position even if you hit a pothole.
Last but not least, make sure that your lights and reflector are working.
About the Author:
Owen Jones, the author of this piece, writes on many subjects, but is now involved with London Olympic dates. Click a link to find out more 2012 London Olympics Volunteers.
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