Who doesn’t want a beloved bicycle to accompany him for a long time and bring a pleasant riding experience? To achieve this goal, correct and regular maintenance is essential. Here is a detailed bicycle maintenance guide for you, so that you can easily maintain your bicycle like a professional.
Step 1: Clean the bicycle
Cleaning is the basis of bicycle maintenance. It can prevent dirt and dust from eroding parts and affecting the performance and life of the bicycle. First, use a soft brush or an old toothbrush to gently brush off large pieces of dirt on the frame, wheels, handlebars and other parts. Then, prepare a basin of warm water, add an appropriate amount of neutral detergent, dip a sponge or a soft damp cloth in the cleaning liquid, and carefully wipe all parts of the body. Be careful to avoid key parts such as brake discs and chains to prevent the detergent from affecting their performance. For stubborn stains, you can use a special bicycle cleaner, but dilute and use it according to the product instructions. Finally, rinse with clean water and wipe dry with a clean towel to ensure that there is no residual detergent and moisture on the surface of the bicycle.
Step 2: Lubricate key components
The chain is one of the most important transmission parts of a bicycle. Regular lubrication can reduce wear and ensure transmission efficiency. Spray the chain cleaner on the chain and let it fully penetrate and dissolve the dirt. Then, wipe the chain with a rag until there is no obvious stain on the rag. Next, choose a suitable chain lubricant and drip the lubricant evenly along the chain to ensure that each link is fully lubricated. Be careful not to use too much lubricant to avoid dust and sludge. In addition to the chain, the brake and shift cable tubes, hubs, pedals and other parts also need to be lubricated regularly. You can use a special dry lubricant or light engine oil and follow the product instructions.
Step 3: Check the brake system
The brake system is related to riding safety and must be checked and maintained regularly. First, check whether the travel of the brake handle is normal and whether there is any looseness or abnormality. If the brake handle travel is too long, it may be that the brake line is loose or the brake pads are severely worn, and they need to be adjusted or replaced in time. Next, check the wear of the brake pads. When the brake pads are worn to a certain extent, they must be replaced in time, otherwise it will affect the braking effect. At the same time, check the brake disc (if it is a disc brake bicycle) for deformation, wear or stains. If there is a problem, it should be repaired or cleaned in time.
Step 4: Check the speed change system
A smooth speed change system can make riding easier. Check whether the speed change cable is loose or worn. If there is a problem, adjust or replace it in time. Turn the pedals and switch each gear in turn to check whether the speed change is smooth and whether there is any skipping or jamming. If the speed change is not smooth, it may be that the speed change cable needs lubrication or the transmission needs adjustment. You can use a lubricant specially designed for the speed change system to lubricate the speed change cable and the transmission, and then adjust the limit screws of the transmission and the tension of the speed change cable according to the instruction manual of the bicycle to ensure that the speed change system works properly.
Step 5: Check the tires and wheels
The tire is the only part of the bicycle that contacts the ground, and its state directly affects the stability and comfort of riding. Check the tire pressure regularly and inflate it according to the pressure value marked on the side of the tire. Too high or too low pressure will affect the riding experience and tire life. At the same time, check whether the tire surface is worn, cracked or embedded with foreign objects. If there is a problem, replace the tire in time. In addition, check whether the wheel set is deformed, loose or the spokes are broken. If there is a problem, the wheel set should be repaired or replaced in time. Through the above steps, regular maintenance of the bicycle can keep your bicycle in good condition, extend its service life, and bring you a longer and more enjoyable riding experience.
