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In today’s fast-paced world, cycling has become more than just a mode of transportation; it’s a way of life, an eco-friendly choice that keeps you active and connected with your surroundings.
Cycle September is an event run by Love To Ride to encourage cyclists from all walks of life to get on their bikes for their health, for the planet, and for prizes.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable Cycle September, proper bike maintenance is paramount. We’ve put together (with the help of top tips from Bikeability and SusTrans) an essential checklist for every outing and an in-depth guide to keep your two-wheeled companion in top-notch condition and safe to ride.
Before embarking on any cycling adventure (big or small), it’s crucial to conduct a quick but thorough ABCD check to ensure your bike is ready for the road. Follow these simple steps to guarantee a safe ride:
Remember these easy ABCDs and set out this September with certainty and get a mile, or many, under your belt.
For a more in-depth understanding of bike maintenance, let’s delve into the 11-step M-check, a comprehensive guide provided by experts at Sustrans:
1. Rear Wheel
Ensure the rear wheel is snugly in place, and if it boasts a quick-release lever, make sure it’s firmly secured when closed. However, remember, not all wheels flaunt this feature. For non-quick-release wheels, give a check to the nuts on both sides of the wheel – they should be tightly fastened.
2. Spokes
Give the spokes a pluck with your finger to check their tension. The sound each spoke makes should be quite similar, and they shouldn’t feel wobbly or loose.
3. Tyres
If the tyre seems a bit soft, don’t fret – grab your pump and attach it to the valve for a quick inflation boost. Bear in mind, there are two valve types: Presta (long and slender) and Schrader (a tad shorter and thicker). Pro tip: The recommended tyre pressure is usually stamped somewhere on the tyre.
4. Saddle
Take a moment to inspect your saddle. Make sure your seat post is firmly in place and you haven’t exceeded the marked limit. Once you’ve given these a once-over, grab an Allen key and give the seat post clamp a little tightening. Double-check the saddle’s security before you wrap things up.
5. Chain
Keep your chain clean and well-oiled for that smooth ride experience. But remember, a little oil goes a long way – too much can lead to a dirtier chain and a tougher cleaning session down the line.
6. Pedals
Give those pedals a spin – they should rotate seamlessly. Also, ensure your cranks are securely attached and don’t exhibit any creaking sounds.
7. Stem
Prevent your front wheel and stem from doing the twist by checking their independence. Stand in front of your bike, clutch the front wheel between your knees, and give the handlebars a twist. Tighten up those stem bolts and handlebar clamp using an Allen key to ensure stability.
8. Headset
Hold onto the head tube with one hand while engaging the front brake with the other. This steadies the bike’s front, allowing you to shake the headset. Listen and feel for any rocking or clicking in the bearings.
9. Brakes
Your brakes need to be on point. When you pull the brake lever, it shouldn’t come too close to the handlebar grip. If it does, a little adjustment is in order. Loosen the brake cable anchor bolt, give the cable a tug to tighten it, and then secure the anchor bolt again. Both sides of the brake mechanism should spring into action when you engage the brakes. If they don’t, tweak the small adjuster screw on the stationary side until they do. You can usually find these handy screws on most brakes. Also, ensure the brake block lies flat against the wheel rim. If it doesn’t, an Allen key can help you nudge it into the correct spot while applying the brake. Lastly, test the front brake by applying it and giving the bike a gentle push forward, and do the same for the back brake by pulling the bike backward.
10. Frame
Give your bike’s frame a once-over for any cracks or damage. Pay special attention to where the frame joins the head tube – that’s where you want to focus your scrutiny.
11. Front Wheel
Just like the rear, make sure the front wheel is securely in place. If there’s a quick-release lever, lock it down tightly. But remember, not all wheels come with this feature. If your front wheel isn’t quick-release, ensure the nuts on both sides are tightened up properly.
Bike maintenance is an integral part of being a responsible and savvy cyclist and makes for a safe and smooth Cycle September. From the basic ABCD check to the comprehensive 11-step M-check, these practices ensure your bike remains in optimal condition.
At The Bike Storage Company, we always recommend having the tools to hand to perform these checks and keep your bike running smoothly.
Our Public Bike Maintenance Stations are the perfect way to incorporate safety checks into every ride, errand-run, or commute.
Regular maintenance not only guarantees a safe and enjoyable ride but also promotes a sustainable and active lifestyle. So, gear up, perform your checks, and pedal forth with confidence on your well-maintained bicycle, and don’t forget to log your miles this Cycle September for the chance to win.
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