Ready to Roll: Tips to Get Your Bike Ready for the Road

Gas prices are on the way up and everyone is looking for a way to pinch those pennies. Join the hundreds of people making the decision to ride their bikes to work. It's a great workout for your body and wallet friendly.

Dig out your bike from the back of the garage and get it road ready with these simple steps:

1. Clean your bike

Clear the cobwebs and dust it off. Having a clean bike and taking care of it will extend its life. Use a green cleaner and soft microfiber towel and get to work. Clean the frame, pedals, brakes, tires, chain, chain guard, and seat. Remove the seat, clean the post, add a small amount of bike grease and replace the seat. This will help prevent rust on the seat post.

2. Brake Check

Brakes are a very necessary part of biking. Your brakes have to be in good working order. Check the brake pads. These are the rectangular looking pads that rub against the tire to slow it down. Use a flashlight to determine the amount of wear on them and if the wear is even. If you notice they are wearing uneven you may need a brake adjustment. If the pads are showing excessive wear, you will need to replace them to be safe. As an added check, squeeze the brakes and watch to make sure that the pads hit the tire rim simultaneously. If they don't, you can adjust the brakes with the brake arm tension screw located on one of the brake lever arms near the tire.

3. Wheel Check

The rims hold your tires in place and provide the stability while riding. Have a rough rim is unsafe. It is recommended to clean your wheels with rubbing alcohol. Check over your rims for nicks or dents and any other visible damage. Pick up one end of the back and spin the wheel. The wheel should operate smoothly. Do this to the other tire. If you notice wobbling, you are going to want to take it to your local bike shop to have a second opinion and a possible replacement installed.

4. Drivetrain Check

You will need your bike buddy to help you out with this task or a bike stand will work just fine, too. Elevate the rear wheel and spin. Shift through all the gears. There should be a smooth transition from one gear to the next. Inspect the chain for any missing teeth and to make sure there is no damage. Chains are the most frequently replaced part of the drivetrain. Chains should be replaced every 2,000-3,000 miles. It's like an oil change for a car. Every couple of thousand miles have it changed and you will be in good shape. Chains can range in cost from $20-$50, but is well worth the cost and helps extend the life of the other drivetrain components.

5. Tire Check

Inspect each tire for air pressure. Make sure the tires are not flat and are filled properly. This will help protect the rim. You will also want to look for breaks, cracks and uneven wear on your tire. The tires are what connect your bike to the road, so you will want these to be in great shape. This will provide a better ride experience overall.

If you need new tires, you can visit your local bike shop for assistance.

6. Cable Check

Inspect cabling for breaks, rust, looseness, and other imperfections. If your cables are showing any of these warning signs you will want to get them replaced. New cables provide a better braking experience and smoother gear transition. Changing cables can be challenging and time consuming so head to a local bike shop to get some help. You will not be sorry you did this. As a guideline, cables should be replaced every 3-5 years depending on usage. If you are riding your bike every day, you should probably consider cable replacement annually.

7. Oil and Grease Check

Apply lubricant to the chain evenly while moving in a counter clockwise motion. You will want to add lubricant to all moving parts of the bike. Wipe off any excess oil with a dry cloth.

You are now ready to roll! Enjoy the nice weather, a heavier wallet, and a greener environment by riding your bike.

Sources: www.workingwellresources.com.

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