mvraju
06-15-09, 06:21 AM
I have started to commute to work on my bike for over 2 weeks now. I rode in the rain yesterday. I need some pointers on how to maintain a bike in good working condition? Thanks for the help.
Northeast - New rider
Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.View Full Version : New rider
Lightingguy
06-15-09, 09:25 AM
Fenders area must, if you plan on riding in the rain regardless, as they help keep the grime out of the drivetrain and off the frame. Full wrap SKS fenders work better then the Zefel clip on type, but anything helps and type depends on the type of bike and whether the frame has eyelets to support SKS.
That and keeping the drivetrain clean and lubed (you can wait to do this at home, not after every commute leg), as well as keeping an old rag handy after every ride to simply wipe off some of the grime before it hardens on the frame and drivetrain.
Don't park the bike in the rain if possible, if locking up outside, try to park it under some cover.
If you do ride rain regardless, you will need to replace cables more often, no way around it, so it pays to buy the tools (cable and housing cutters, assorted metric allen keys, 3rd and 4th hand tools.) and maybe take a basic (or advanced) bike maintenance class at a LBS. Saves you money and time not having to pay a shop to do it and you can buy housing and cables in bulk and save money
Steve B.
That and keeping the drivetrain clean and lubed (you can wait to do this at home, not after every commute leg), as well as keeping an old rag handy after every ride to simply wipe off some of the grime before it hardens on the frame and drivetrain.
Don't park the bike in the rain if possible, if locking up outside, try to park it under some cover.
If you do ride rain regardless, you will need to replace cables more often, no way around it, so it pays to buy the tools (cable and housing cutters, assorted metric allen keys, 3rd and 4th hand tools.) and maybe take a basic (or advanced) bike maintenance class at a LBS. Saves you money and time not having to pay a shop to do it and you can buy housing and cables in bulk and save money
Steve B.
pgoat
06-15-09, 09:53 AM
good advice above, especially keeping the chain clean. And check your tire pressure weekly. Get a good floor pump with a gauge - Topeak Joe Blow is my favorite - fantastic & worth every penny.
There are also bike maintenance workshops available at non-profits like Recycle a Bicycle/Times Up, TransAlt, etc.
If you lock up on the street, watch Bicycle Habitat's Hal videos at Streetfilms (http://www.streetfilms.org/archives/hal-grades-your-bike-locking-3-the-final-warning/)
definitely check out the commuter board here too.
Ride safe!:)
There are also bike maintenance workshops available at non-profits like Recycle a Bicycle/Times Up, TransAlt, etc.
If you lock up on the street, watch Bicycle Habitat's Hal videos at Streetfilms (http://www.streetfilms.org/archives/hal-grades-your-bike-locking-3-the-final-warning/)
definitely check out the commuter board here too.
Ride safe!:)
mvraju
06-17-09, 11:17 AM
Thanks guys.
1fluffhead
06-17-09, 11:21 AM
http://www.parktool.com/repair/ Can find help with any bike repairs with step by step instructions and pics in the repair manual.
nenn
06-18-09, 11:25 AM
ohh those are good ideas, thanks too :D