The topic of bike maintenance for road bikes is something I revisit every couple of years because it’s very important for all riders, both men and women. If you’re going to ride a bike regularly, you should learn some basic bike maintenance skills. It will save you both time and money.
Keeping your bike running well will save you money because the parts on your bike will wear better and need replacing less frequently. It will also keep your bike looking good. I like my bike to be shiny and clean and occasionally it’s not which makes me sad.
Here are a few tips for the basics:
Tyres
Pump up your tyres regularly. I do mine at least once per week. You will find the recommended PSI for your tyres on the sidewall. Typically, road tyres should be at around 80-100 PSI. You should also keep an eye on the wear and tear of your tyres and have a close look for any pieces of glass or similar that can gradually work their way through the rubber and cause a puncture.
Chain & running gear
Every few weeks you should clean your chain with a rag to remove the gunk that has accumulated from the road. Once it’s clean you should apply a suitable lubricant. Ask at your local bike shop for a recommendation for the most suitable lube for your bike and type of…