With the environment changing rapidly and global warming wreaking havoc throughout the world, now would be the time to cut back on your fossil fuel consumption. And one effective way to reduce your carbon footprint is changing the way you commute. For example, you can switch to riding a bike to cover short to mid-range distances. Besides being eco-friendly, riding a bike is also an excellent way to work your body and manage cardiovascular health.
So, if you’re planning to make the switch in the way you get from point A to B, or are just a bike enthusiast, here are some tips to show your pair of wheels some extra love.
1. Change the tires regularly
You need to pay attention to your tires as much as possible. The rubber will become bald as time passes, which makes hitting the brakes considerably harder. If you aren’t careful, you can slip and slide across the road instead of stopping when you need to. According to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 846 bicyclists died because of road accidents in 2019. So your tires can be a lifesaver in some cases.
So we suggest changing them as often as possible. Americans can buy bike tires at JensonUSA online. By replacing damaged rubber, you can reduce the risk of becoming a victim of a fatal accident. A strong pair of tires should last you about a year, but it’s best not to push them for longer. Moreover, don’t wear on the tread too much by aggressively hitting the brakes on purpose.
2. Monitor the brakes
The brakes are perhaps the most important aspect to consider regarding bike safety. Ensuring that the brakes are functioning properly will only protect your life and keep you safe on the road.
Ensure they are always clean and don’t have too much grime build-up. Not only will grime impede their power, but it might cause rusting, which will degrade the metal quality and cause further issues with the two-wheeler.
To maintain our brakes, keep them greased and tight. If they’re faulty, it would be best to seek out a bicycle mechanic because you don’t want to be messing with things you don’t know about.
3. Grease the chain
Greasing the chain is one of the best ways to make your bike ride smoother. As the sprocket turns and carries out more rotations, it slowly becomes dryer because of the air pressure hitting it. A dry chain can sustain damage because of rush and metal friction.
A general rule of thumb is to clean the chain and remove dirt and grime with WD-40 or petrol and then apply a generous layer of grease to the chain. Ensure you turn the pedals and dab the links to get into those tiny gaps. If you can reach the sprockets, try and get in the grooves. This will give you a smoother ride throughout your journey and ensure the chain doesn’t slip off the sprocket while you are riding.
4. Reupholster the seat
As you sit on the seat, general wear and tear takes place. Especially if you wear denim, the material can graze against the leather and wear away the surface. Though it may not bother some people, others have an issue when their bikes lack the aesthetic charm. Besides, an uncomfortable seat can also lead to health problems down the road.
A simple solution is to put a cover on the seat or have it reupholstered when you think it’s getting worse. Both options won’t be too expensive and generally sort the issue out for at least a year. It’s also a good idea to avoid getting the seat wet in the rain, so keep it covered. If you need to clean it, use a leather cleaning with a soft cloth.
5. Keep it clean
You are riding on a steel frame with wheels. Rust is bound to set in at some point. As time progresses, you can expect signs of metal oxidization. However, you can delay the process by keeping the bike as clean as possible.
Cleaning the bike with some water and a grime cleaner is a great idea to prevent and delay the onset of rust. When cleaning, ensure you get to the spokes as well. Spokes are the first place to catch rust, and if they break, your rims could become damaged. Ensure holistically clean the bike with non-harsh chemicals and enjoy the ride ahead.
Conclusion
Like every car, bikes too demand extra care to ensure they function properly. Listed above are some easy tips to help you take care of your bicycle and extend its life. Preventing damage will ensure you’re able to commute without hassle and injury. Don’t forget to wear your helmet when you’re on the go.
