{"id":192309,"date":"2023-03-17T16:09:59","date_gmt":"2023-03-17T16:09:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.welovecycling.com\/wide\/?p=192309"},"modified":"2023-03-17T16:12:55","modified_gmt":"2023-03-17T16:12:55","slug":"prep-your-bike-for-spring-by-juliet-elliott","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.welovecycling.com\/wide\/2023\/03\/17\/prep-your-bike-for-spring-by-juliet-elliott\/","title":{"rendered":"Prep Your Bike for Spring by Juliet Elliott"},"content":{"rendered":"

For many of us, spring means a restart, a renewal or a refresh. It could mean we dust off our hibernating bikes and ready them for rides with the family, taking time to strip down, spring clean and repair our favourite machines so they\u2019ll serve us well for many more years to come.<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

In this video, I outline the best practice for checking and adjusting your family\u2019s bikes in preparation for the first ride of the year. I\u2019d always encourage getting children involved in this process \u2013 sadly, ours were all at school when I had the chance to record this, otherwise, I\u2019m sure they\u2019d be wielding cloths and Allen keys alongside me.<\/p>\n

Begin by giving your bike a thorough clean, paying particular attention to the drivetrain. Give your chain a good scrub and wipe, then use a clean cloth to wipe your brake pads or rotors. Carefully lube the chain, choosing wet or dry lube if you\u2019re able to access those; if not, universal bicycle chain oil will do fine.<\/p>\n

Now, onto the bike check. Beginning at the back, you\u2019ll be following an \u2018M\u2019 shape to ensure you check every part of your machine.<\/p>\n

Check the tyres for wear or signs of perishing. Are any tread \u2018knobbles\u2019 still intact? Check the recommended tyre pressure<\/a> on the side wall and inflate accordingly.<\/p>\n

1. Check spokes are uniformly taught and not rusting.<\/p>\n

2. Check the rear axle or quick-release skewer is done up properly.<\/p>\n

3. Inspect the brake pads or rotors. Is there enough brake pad left? Are the pads properly aligned to touch the correct part of the rim when the brakes are on?<\/p>\n

4. Shift through the gears and check they\u2019re changing smoothly.<\/p>\n

5. Follow the \u2018M\u2019 shape to inspect the frame as it runs up to the seat post.<\/p>\n

6. Check the seat and seat post are secure.<\/p>\n

7. Continue checking the frame all the way down to the bottom bracket, then check the cranks and pedals don\u2019t have any lateral \u2018play\u2019 in them. They should spin freely.<\/p>\n

8. Continue following the \u2018M\u2019 shape to inspect the frame as it runs up to the stem.<\/p>\n

9. At the front of the bike, squeeze the brakes to ensure they\u2019re working.<\/p>\n

10. Check the headset is done up properly \u2013 turn the front wheel 45 degrees then pull the front brake. Try and push the bike backwards and forwards. If it feels loose or you feel \u2018play\u2019, you need to tighten your headset. Pick up the bike and let the front wheel flop from side to side. It should swing freely \u2013 if it doesn\u2019t, your headset is too tight.<\/p>\n

11. Check the front wheel and tyre as outlined above and if all is good, you\u2019re ready to ride.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

For many of us, spring means a restart, a renewal or a refresh. It could mean we dust off our […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":99,"featured_media":192314,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[328,329],"tags":[7041,4483,7037,3989],"global-categories":[3366],"class_list":["post-192309","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-outdoor-mountain","category-road-cycling","tag-bicycle-maintenance","tag-juliet-elliott","tag-prep-your-bike-for-spring","tag-spring-cycling","global-categories-cycling"],"yoast_head":"\nPrep Your Bike for Spring by Juliet Elliott - \u0160koda We Love Cycling<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"For many of us, spring means a restart, a renewal or a refresh. 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