Roadie's Ramblings

It’s that time. Cycling season is about to get into full gear. Are you ready? Is your bike ready? Personally, I have been doing a lot of cross training to be ready physically, but I haven’t been so diligent in making sure my ride is ready when it’s time to start putting in the miles. This is partially by design. Where I live we have winter. That means the roads are going to be wet and when they dry out they are caked with salt. So there is no reason to go and put on a new chain, run new cables and mount new tires just to ruin it all with road grime. But now, no excuses, the time has come. Snow is turning to rain and washing those roads clean again, if not just to reveal the giant craters left behind from a constant cycle of freeze and thaw.

So what do I need to do to make sure my bike ready for what I am about to put it through over the next few months? I have consulted a couple of resources and there seems to be a relative consensus on some of the most important aspects of bicycle maintenance. The following are suggested points of reference for some of the most common and crucial tasks.

Every Ride:

-Check tire pressure and inspect tires for debris and damage

-Check quick releases on both wheels to make sure they are tight, but not too tight, and properly seated

-Inspect cables and housing for fraying or other signs of damage

-Check brake cable tension and make barrel adjustments if necessary

Every 1 to 2 weeks:

-Wipe down frame and components, removing surface dirt and major buildup

-Clean and lube chain and cassette if necessary. I know some of you are on the once every month or so schedule. Don’t slack on this. Nobody wants to listen to your drivetrain grinding all ride. Your bike and riding buddies will thank you.

-Apply a light all purpose lube to all mechanical pivot points, and points of contact along brake and shifter cables. It’s also a good idea to put a drop on the heads of bolts and other parts that may collect sweat to prevent corrosion.

Every 1 to 2 months:

-Check and tighten all bolts and screws. Apply some new grease if you have ridden in the rain.

-Inspect spokes, hubs, headset and bottom bracket adjustment and tightness. A loose headset can be disastrous on a bid descent. And few things are more annoying than a creaky bottom bracket.

-Wash and dry your bike. It’s ok to use the hose and soapy water, but remember don’t spray your pressure washer into sealed bearings.

Every season/ 2000-3000 miles (depending on volume of riding):

-Replace tires/tubes (rim tape if necessary)

-Replace chain

-Replace cables and housing (always do both)

-Inspect wear on cassette and chainrings, replace if necessary. If the teeth on the gears are getting pointy or you can see a gap under the chain where it should be seated between teeth, then it’s got to go. Keeping your chain clean will make cogs and chainrings last much longer.

-Inspect sealed bearing units. Regrease or replace depending on condition.

Follow these suggestions for safer and less frustrating riding this season. Check back next week when I tell you when it’s time to make some other important changes. I will examine issues like, when do I know I need a new bike? Do I really need new wheels? And is my cycling wardrobe complete?

-Roadie