Simple Bike Maintenance you can do by yourself That Will Save You Money

When you are a cyclist searching to save money you must not over look the significance of doing regular basic maintenance on your bike and you should consider doing it yourself. Here are several methods for basic bike maintenance that you can simply do yourself. They will save you money and help your bike execute better and assure a safer ride.

Keep in mind here that visiting your : <a href="http://www.bikeracksforcarsandtrucks.com/">local bike shop</a> to have your bike get a check up is very important. This must be done once or more per year depending on how much you ride. Of course serious repair work should also be done by the bike shop mechanics. But there is some maintenance work you can do and should do yourself.

Firstly, when you return from a ride it is essential to clean your bike. Your bike is made up of many moving parts and when you ride they are going to get dirty. Dirt and moving parts do not combine well. If you neglect to wash away the dirt and then go riding again the dirt will cause excessive wear on your <a href="http://www.bikeracksforcarsandtrucks.com/Hitch-Mount-Bike-Rack.html">bike's moving parts</a> and they will deteriorate faster than if they were clean.

Be careful spraying your bike with hard water pressure. This can be unhealthy to some of the more sensitive parts. Spray the bike lightly. Especially make sure you get the dirt out from the chain and gears. In some of the more sensitive areas you may want to just wipe them clean with a dry rag. You can apply a mild detergent and water solution to clean the frame of the bike. Be sure to clean the brake shoes and brake pad as well.

The chain and gears are a very significant part of your bike. Occasionally you should spray them with a solvent and then scrub the chain and gear teeth with an old tooth brush. The tooth brush will help you clean in those difficult to reach areas. Be sure to use a solvent that is good for the environment. Stay away from kerosene and turpentine and use something your local bike shop recommends.

Examine your bike to see if anything has become free and may need adjustment or tightening. There are many nuts, bolts and screws on a bike and these can become loose once in a while. Have the proper tools so you can keep them tightened? Don't over tighten; just make sure they are not loose.

Keeping your bike properly lubricated is very important. It will help your bike perform better and the parts will last longer. Lubrication will also tend against rust, corrosion, undue wear from friction and "freezing up" of the parts.

Be sure not to over lubricate and use a proper lubrication for the temperature and weather in your riding environment. It is best to insure with your local bike shop on the recommended lubrication for your location.

Here is the part that should be lubricated:

O The chain

o The brake and derailleur levers

o The derailleur cables

o The derailleur assemblies

Follow these uncomplicated thought for maintaining your bike regularly and you will save yourself cash and your bike will operate better and safer.