HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR BICYCLE.
Here are a few simple tips from E-bike Málaga on how to maintain your bicycle, so you can keep your bike in good condition. These tips will help you extend the life of all your components to save you time, money and energy in the future.
Wheels
Each brand and model of bicycle has a recommended tire pressure level. Make sure yours are ALWAYS properly inflated.
Good pressure will make you less tired. And of course, means you are less at risk of punctures.
The wheels are, perhaps, the component that suffers the most wear from the bicycle. They are in constant contact with the ground and support your weight while travelling at high speeds. They also constantly suffer the impact of stones, mud and water.
It is very important to check that they have no clearance on the shaft. As well as the closures are tight. The spokes must be with the correct tension. The tire must be centered. It is important that you do not present bumps or cracks. It is essential that the covers are not very worn. Nor do they have cracks or lack of rubber. It is always good to look for possible objects embedded in the covers.
Chain
Remember to keep the bicycle chain clean and lubricated. This will keep it looking brand new and performing better.
This is a very simple step. You just have to clean the chain with a cloth (which does not release thread), that has had degreaser applied to it. Let it dry for about 5-10 minutes. Then apply the lubricant to the chain. An easy way to do this is to slowly spin the wheel so the chain moves.
When greasing the bike, take care to ensure that the oil does not come into contact with the brake pads or the pedals.
It’s best not to lubricate excessively, especially if you have not cleaned the chain before applying the grease. This will cause any dust or dirt already on the chain to stick to it – which can cause wear and tear over time. The dirt accumulated in the chain acts like a sandpaper that wears away both the links in the chain and the teeth of sprockets and plates.
Retighten the hardware
From time to time it is good to use an Allen key to tighten all the screws that keep the hardware of the bike together. Interestingly, on a new bike you often have to retighten the screws after the first two or three rides.
The screws should be tightened properly but not too much as to do so can damage the screws as well as the bike hardware.
Brakes
It is always best to check that the brakes are not stiff. If the brakes harden and become stiff, they will prevent the wheel from spinning freely. This will affect the bikes performance but can also cause an accident.
In the brakes, check that the lever is firm and that the pads do not have excessive wear. This could lead to a lack of control of the bicycle. The general condition of the brakes should be checked regularly and depending on the type: look for fluid leaks. Check that the disc is not bent. Check that the thickness wear is not excessive.
Gears
You must always ensure that your cables have the correct tension - never too loose, never too tight.
For that, you should play around with the gear lever to find the right tension. Before starting a route, we must check that the bike changes gears smoothly. Better check each position for changes.
These types of adjustments are usually more subtle, so we recommend that if in doubt, unless you are good at mechanics, go to your nearest workshop.
Seat tube stuck.
If the seat post (tube or saddle post) has not moved in a while it can become stiff, it may present problem when it comes to adjusting the height of the saddle. It should be kept slightly oiled, provided it is not a folding bike.
Cleaning
And last but not least, we have to talk about cleaning your bike.
If the bicycle is dirty the wear can be much greater.
First of all, we absolutely do not advise you to wash your bike with pressurized water as it can cause water to get into the bearings. If the water enters between the gears and they oxidize, you will have to say goodbye to it. To make it shiny, however, you can use a damp cloth. Never wet. We recommend that you clean your bike once a week if you use it on a regular basis.
If you do not know much about mechanics, we recommend you take the bicycle to be given a general service at least twice a year.
In E-bike Málaga we have a workshop service available. In addition to answering any questions you have. We are always happy to help.
Are you interested in renting a bike? Click here to see all our models available and book online.
