{"id":372,"date":"2016-06-23T13:15:46","date_gmt":"2016-06-23T12:15:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/direct2u.co.uk\/blog\/cycle-shelters\/?p=372"},"modified":"2018-09-04T13:56:58","modified_gmt":"2018-09-04T12:56:58","slug":"top-10-cycle-maintenance-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/direct2u.co.uk\/blog\/cycle-shelters\/top-10-cycle-maintenance-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 10 cycle maintenance tips for cycling to work"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"cycle<\/a><\/p>\n

After the success of Bike Week 2016 last week, with summer on its way and more people taking part in cycle to work week initiatives, we thought we would share our top 10 cycle maintenance tips for cycling to work. These tips should be carried out weekly with some checks such as on your brakes, tyres and helmets every time you get on your bike. These top tips are an easy way to get into the habit of checking your bicycle regularly.<\/p>\n

Check your tyres<\/span><\/h2>\n

Do your tyres have the right pressure? Having the right pressure will reduce your risk of getting punctures and keep your tyres efficient for longer. Pinching your tyre is the quickest way of testing if your tyres need air. However over inflated tyres can be just as bad as under inflated tyres so check the side of your tyre for the recommended PSI. If you haven\u2019t used your bike in a while, check the general quality of your tyre; making sure there is no obvious damage and that there is plenty of tread left on your tyre.<\/p>\n

Check your brakes<\/span><\/h2>\n

Worn brake pads will greatly reduce your breaking efficiency, the way to check these is to make sure there are little grooves in the rubber pads, if not then they are too worn. Fitting new pads is easy any number of websites<\/a> will show you how.<\/p>\n

Ensure your front and rear brakes are working properly there are number of tests that need to be done here: first push your bike forward applying one of the brakes and repeat for the other brake. Secondly pull each brake lever separately and if the lever touches the handlebar grip, the cable needs adjusting. This is adjusted by loosening the anchor bolt as you do this, the brake cable will be pulled tighter, click here<\/a> for a tutorial on this. Both brake pads should move as the brakes are applied; if this is not the case, turn the small adjuster screw on the side that isn\u2019t moving (little bit at a time) until they are both moving.  This adjuster screw will also ensure that the brake pads are lying flat against the wheel when the brake is applied.<\/p>\n

Finally; dirty brakes are often the cause of squeaky brakes, clean and dry both sides properly. If this doesn\u2019t work, they may need adjusting or the pads changing.<\/p>\n

\"cycle<\/a><\/p>\n

Check your wheels<\/span><\/h2>\n

Your wheels should be tightly fitted and the quick release lever should be secured in the closed position, if you don\u2019t have a quick release lever check that your wheel nuts on both sides of your wheels are tight. Turn your bike upside down and spin your wheels, if they wobble side to side then they need \u2018truing\u2019, this involves adjusting the spokes with a spoke key. There is a way to do this so if you don\u2019t feel confident enough take your bike to your local cycle shop and they will be able to help you out.<\/p>\n

Give your bike a wash<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you haven\u2019t used your bike in a while or have been somewhere particularly muddy it will most likely have gathered cobwebs, dust or mud. This also gives you a chance to check your frame and brakes for damage. Once you have cleaned your bike, dry it with a clean cloth, trying to remove as much water as possible.<\/p>\n

Check your helmet<\/span><\/h2>\n

With your helmet being one of the most important pieces of equipment you own, it needs to be checked regularly. Check the outside for any damage as debris from the road can easily damage it. The inside of your helmet will show you if there is any damage to the interior structure and also ensure your strap is working efficiently. Remember<\/strong>:  if your helmet has been in a previous accident or has been dropped; do not<\/u> use it, throw it away and buy a new one! Once a helmet has been dropped or in an accident, the integrity of the inner supports of your helmet have been compromised and if you are in an accident your helmet won\u2019t be able to support you fully.<\/p>\n

Clean your chain<\/span><\/h2>\n

A clean chain will last longer and perform better; cleaning the chain involves hot water, a toothbrush, rags, brushes, sponges, de-greaser and chain lube, you don\u2019t even need to remove the chain.  To speed up the process you can use some chain cleaner, just wash, rinse, dry and the lubricate your chain. NOTE<\/strong>: using too much oil and lubricant can make your chain more difficult to clean as it will pick up more dirt. Do not lubricate your chain unless you have cleaned it first as this will create an abrasive paste that will grind away at the chain.<\/p>\n

\"Cycle<\/a><\/p>\n

Lubricate<\/span><\/h2>\n

Use bike-specific lubricant sparingly anywhere on your bike where metal touches metal; such as the chain, brake levers and bearing systems. Use a lubricant that is weather condition appropriate to you.<\/p>\n

Adjust your seat and handle bars<\/span><\/h2>\n

Are you sitting comfortably? You can experiment a little with your saddle, raising or tilting it to suit you to ensure you don\u2019t end up with a sore bum. When you pedal; your legs should almost be straight on the downwards revolution, if not this can cause you to have knee pain.<\/p>\n

Storing<\/span><\/h2>\n

Storing your bike somewhere dry, away from dampness, dust and direct sunlight will keep your bike in tip top condition and reduce the amount of problems you will have will your bike. The place you store your bike in should be covered and secure. There are many solutions for storing your bike at work, click here<\/a> to find out more from Cycle Shelters Direct2U.<\/p>\n

\"cycle<\/a><\/p>\n

Maintenance tools<\/span><\/h2>\n

Always ensure you have a puncture repair kit and any tools you may need to hand on any journey, as you never know when you may need them.<\/p>\n

If your using your bicycle as a mode of transport to work, it needs to be in the best condition. You don\u2019t have to be an expert but if you follow our top tips, your bicycle will live a longer life.
\nHere at Direct2U, some employees have taken part in a cycle initiative and they say: it\u2019s the best way to look after the environment and keep fit but always prepare a route before you set off.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

After the success of Bike Week 2016 last week, with summer on its way and more people taking part in cycle to work week initiatives, we thought we would share our top 10 cycle maintenance tips for cycling to work. These tips should be carried out weekly with some checks such as on your brakes, tyres and helmets every time you get on your bike. These top tips are an easy way to get into the habit of checking your bicycle regularly. Check your tyres Do your tyres have the right pressure? Having the right pressure will reduce your risk… Read more <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":373,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[58],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-372","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cycle-safety"],"yoast_head":"\nTop 10 Cycle Maintenance Tips for Cycling to Work<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Using your bicycle as a mode of transport to work, it needs to be in the best condition. 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