Making sure your bike is ready to ride is always important, whether you're an experienced rider or still a little green. A good bike will get you safely from point A to point B, and in our case, to a few good breweries. You'll want to make sure yours is working properly so that the only worry you have is what beer you're going to try at the next location. We decided to put together a small list of a few bike tune-up tips to keep you cruising safely, however, you can rest assured that when you go on a tour with us, we inspect our bikes regularly.
Are your wheel ready for rolling?
The most important bike tune-up tip, in our opinion, is to check the wheels. The wheels are arguably one of the most important parts of your bike. Without them, you definitely wouldn't be going anywhere. Make sure the rims are straight/true. Inspect the spokes for any loose or damaged ones. Check that your hubs and bearings are tight.
Check your tires
While you're inspecting your wheels, check out your tires. Your tires are just as important as your wheels. A low tire tire can put uneven pressure on the tube resulting in a flat or even damage your rim, causing more work much work for you to fix your bike. Check and make sure you aren't losing air anywhere and that they fill the wheel properly (the psi will be written on the tire). Make sure to air them up if they're looking a little low.
Don't lose your chain!
Do you remember when you were a kid and your chain would fall off your bike? Keep that from happening by keeping track of how long you've had your chain, and for how many miles you've used it. If you've used it for over 2,000 miles, it's safe to say you should invest in a new one. A good way to maintain the life of your chain is by brushing out the links (an old toothbrush works), lubricating the links from time to time with a chain lubricant and wiping off excess lube.
Check your brakes
An obviously important bike tune-up tip is to check your brakes. Adjust them so that they're hitting the rim properly not the tire. The lever pull shouldn't be too loose or too tight and the cables shouldn't be frayed. If your brake lever is sticking, this can be very dangerous and it is imperative to take the bike to a mechanic to have them bleed the brakes. It's also important to check the pads. If you see serious wear on them, get new ones before riding.
Stop: Cable time
You're bike cables are connected to the shifters and assist with moving the chain from one gear to another while the others, connected to the brakes, help to stop the bike by pushing the lever on the handlebar. It's important to inspect the cable and the surrounding rubber housing for cracks, rust, dirt and looseness.
Once you've made sure your bike is good to go, take advantage of a nice day by hitting the road or some sweet trails. When you want to go on a ride with some great people and grab some tasty beer, book a your tour with us at Bike and Brew ATX! Happy Riding.
