Six Bicycle Maintenance Mistakes You Need To Avoid
When it comes to avoiding bicycle repair needs, prevention is better than dealing with problems as they come up. Adequate maintenance can make it so that you avoid breaking down when you're on a long bike ride and you're far from home.
There are a lot of things you can do to avoid repair needs if you're vigilant and meticulous about maintenance. The following are six bicycle maintenance mistakes you can avoid to keep your bike in the best possible shape and avoid malfunctions that necessitate repairs:
Allowing your tires to become deflated
If tire pressure in your bike tires becomes to low, it could negatively impact the condition of your tire rims. This could not only detract from tire condition, but could also leave you more likely to experience accidents or breakdowns while you're biking.
Remember that your rear tires should have slightly more pressure than your front tires because rear tires support more weight.
You also need to remember to keep tire pressure high enough even when your bike is not in use. If a bike is sitting with low tire pressure, cracks will be more likely to develop in your tires during storage periods.
Getting oil on your brake pads
You need to keep you fingers off of your brake pads at all times. You can get oil on your brake pads if you touch them, and this oil can compromise the efficiency and effectiveness of your brake pads.
Neglecting occasional cleanings
Simply cleaning off your bike and wiping away dirt and grime can prevent rust development. Hose down your bike after rides through particularly muddy situations where your bike may be exposed to salt, sand, and other debris that is known to lead to rust development.
Storing your bike outside
If possible, keep your bike in a garage. This will protect it from the elements and minimize the chances that your bike will experience premature wear and tear.
Failing to dry off your bike
Drying off your bike can protect lubricated mechanical components and prevent rust development. Avoid leaving your bike in dark and damp areas without thoroughly drying it after use when it has become wet.
Never lubricating your chain
Your chain is one mechanical component of your bike that is almost constantly in motion when you're riding. As such, it needs to be properly lubricated to ensure efficient bike operation.
If you're going on a long distance ride, keep some oil or lubricant with you. Remember that you need to wipe away excess lubricant after you apply it to prevent your chain from attracting dirt and debris. Contact a bike shop, like Sarasota Cyclery Inc, for more help.