Tools and Tips Needed to Tune Up Your Bicycle.

Once in a blue moon, it is a good idea to give your bicycle a good tune up.  It only requires a few tools, many of which you probably already have if you are into bike repairs.  It especially makes a fun and useful project to do outside on a beautiful day just before the good biking weather starts.   I will list the tools you need as well as describe what to do with them.

Bicycle Repair Stand

If you don’t have a stand, you can still do it, but it is a lot harder.  A bike repair stand is a great tool for any bicycle maintenance or repairs and makes the job so much easier.  In absence of a stand, you can hang your bike from some rope or wires strung to the ceiling, use a car bike rack that attaches to your trunk if you have one, or get creative and find a secure way to hold your bike at an elevated level that lets the wheels spin freely.  Mount your bike on the stand and place it at a comfortable level to work on it.   Now remove your brakes and both wheels.  Throughout this whole exercise, you want to check over all your parts to make sure they are okay.  If anything is looking cracked or worn down, get it fixed or replaced.

Rags, Bucket of Water and Some Dish Soap

Use the rag to clean the frame, sprockets of your cassette or freewheel and use a dry rag to wipe down the spokes. hubs, and rims on your wheels.  Now wipe the dirt off your entire bike frame and its components, either with the dry rag or with a soapy one if needed.

Lubricant

You can place some drops of lubricant within your cable housing and the pivot points of your shift and break components.  Wipe off any excess and be sure to keep the oil off your break pads.

Razor Blade and Sand Paper

Check out your break pads to make sure they are not too worn down.  If they need replacing, especially if you can see metal poking through, get them replaced immediately.  If not, you can use the razor blade to cut off any wear ridges.  Use the sandpaper to resurface them and clean off the road grime.

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About the author

Sam Walker is currently working on some comprehensive bike repair stand reviews for those seriously interested in home bike repairs. A bike repair stand is a specialty tool that will likely be your best friend when repairing any part of your bicycle.

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