Monday, January 21, 2013

Simple Bike Care Tips

In accordance with a post from a while back, today's topic is from a certain Brit Schlaybach: Simple bike care tips.

1.  One of the simplest and easiest ways to keep your bike smoothly running is to keep it OUT of the elements.  Yes, this means actually putting your bike inside after usage, or at least sheltering it from rain.
2.  Don't use WD-40 on the chain... use a more specific chain lubrication.
3.  Don't run over your bike with your car.  This will insure that your wheels aren't bent beyond repair.
4.  Don't skid the tires.  It wasn't even cool when you were 7, and it's not cool when you are grown up.
5.  Keep your tires inflated to the recommended psi.
6.  Ride on the right side of the road.  This may not be a bike care tip, but it's the way it's supposed to be done.
7.  Lock your bike at public places.  That way you'll be able to ride it home.
8.  If you're feeling plucky enough to fix a problem on your bike, do it with the appropriate tools.  Use of improper tools could be disastrous.
9.  When making your own repairs, KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING.  Youtube and Google have lots of information...
10.  As always, when you are baffled by problems on your bike, take it to your trusted local bike shop. :)