Change your tire!

At some point while out on your ride your going to get a flat sooner or later. Luckily i've yet to get one but I've known people who get them regular and some who get them once in a while.

Either way, it is a good idea to be prepared. When I am out on my rides I have the following in my saddlebag.

• Tire Levers
• These are used to remove the tire from the wheel to pull the tube out
• CO2 cartridges
• A quick easy way to inflate your tires
• Puncture Repair Kit
• Typically, on the road I plan to just replace the tube, but just in case you end up with a second puncture it's good to have one! Plus you can help someone out if they need one.
• Spare tube
• These are cheap, just have a couple lying around at home. Keep a couple in your car too. You never know when you'll meet a rider in need!

Here's a quick how to guide on changing your tube here. There's picture in there to so you can get an idea of what you need to do.

Alternatively there's plenty of videos on Youtube. I like this one as it shows how to do it while out on the road.

Pump it up!

I’m getting into the routine of maintaining my bike on a regular basis now. As part of that I’m still trying to get in the habit of checking my tire pressure more regularly.

There are several reasons why you should be checking your tire pressure on a regular basis.

1. An under inflated tire is more prone to puncture.
2. An under inflated tire is more prone to deforming.
3. A ride can get pretty bumpy on an over inflated tire.

You can check your tire pressure a couple of ways, with a pressure gauge or with a pump with a built in pressure gauge. I prefer to use the pump, that way if it needs filling I can just do it. No changing between two devices.

Check wall of your tire for the correct PSI.

When inflating your tires make sure you’re using the correct pump for your valve. There a three main types of valves on tires and they take different extension on your pump to inflate them.

You can read more about wheels and valves here

For a pump I use a Serfas FP-200 which has a built in pressure gauge. For on the road I take some Co2 with me.

If you have a Presta valve, be sure to unscrew the small top on the valve before pumping. You don’t need to remove it, just unscrew enough so when you push down the air releases. Then clamp the pump on tight.

Here’s a short video on how to inflate a presta valve road tire

For more about tire pressure check out the articles here and here.

Basic Bicycle Maintenance

I’ve been trying to learn how to perform the basic bike maintenance procedures. I want to keep my bike in good condition and make it last as long as I can. So far I’ve come up with the following routine for maintaining my bike.

Weekly


Tires

• Check tires for damage
• Check tire pressure

I do a visual of the tires making sure there are no signs of damage. I use a Planet Bike Dial Air gauge. I use the recommended setting on the tire for PSI.

Chain

• Degrease
• Clean
• Lube

I use Park Tool’s Chain Cleaner with a diluted mixture of Simple Green and water to degrease and clean. I do two passes through the chain cleaner. The first pass is to remove all of the built up gunk and the second to give it a good cleaning. I then lube the chain with Finish Line’s Dry Lube. I use the dry lube as I only ride when it’s dry and it can get quite dusty where I ride.

Clean Bike

• Wipe off dirt with a rag
• Spray bike with diluted washing soap and water (avoiding moving parts)
• Clean the rims of the wheels
• Dry off with a rag

Fortnightly

In addition to my weekly routine, every other week I will also do the following:

Front Derailleur

• Brush off any dirt/particles
• Lube pivots & springs with a little dry lube

Rear Derailleur

• Brush off any dirt/particles
• Lube pivots & springs with a little dry lube

Monthly
This is my main maintenance routine. Once I month I will do all of the above plus:

Brake & Shift Levers

• Squirt some dry lube into the levers as I open and close the brakes
• Squirt some dry lube into the levers as I change the gears

Brake Pads

• Inspect them for wear and/or damage

Feel free to let me know how you maintain your bicycle or any tips you have for keeping it it good condition!