How to keep your Bicycle in Perfect Condition?

Anything that is well maintained functions efficiently and lasts longer. If you use your bike for daily commuting, racing, leisure riding or simply to run errands, then your bike deserves proper maintenance and care. Unlike other vehicles, bicycles do not need a lot of complicated or expensive maintenance. Maintaining a bicycle’s wear and tear and normal upkeep help a bike remain in its original condition for a long time. Replacing bike parts with more efficient and better products will keep your bike running smoothly. The cost of maintenance can be reduced extensively by taking care of your bike properly. These helpful tips will show you how to keep your bike in excellent condition.

1. Keeping your bike always clean is a good start. Moving parts of your bike should be kept clean to avoid the accumulation of dirt and rust. Use a wet cloth to wipe off muck and pay attention to the tiny details by cleaning small parts too. A bike cleaning liquid can also be used for a thorough cleaning.
2. Use lubricant on the chains to keep cycling easier and less laborious.
3. To extend the life of cogs, replace your chain when it stretches. By ignoring this, you will realise that even after you replace the chain with a new one, it skips on the worn cogs. It is important to keep your cogs in good shape to replace your old chain with a new one. If not, changing both the cogs and the chain is your only option.
4. Pay attention to the noises your bike makes. Squeaks, rattles and scraping noises should not be ignored. They mean that something needs looking into.
5. Check the brakes. The brake system of the bike is crucial for safe riding and maintaining speed.
6. Get the gears adjusted by a professional for smooth gear changing.
7. Turn your bicycle upside down and spin the wheels to check for wobbles and any irregularities. Pay attention to the wear and tear of the tires and replace them with new ones if they show signs of damage and extensive use.
8. When you are not using the bike, keep it in a sheltered place away from rain, wind and dust, if possible covered.
9. Keep basic toolkits with you at all times and fix one on to your bicycle when you are riding long distances. This is handy for emergencies. Learn how to fix your bike in a breakdown situation.
10. Learn about new bike parts, tools, accessories and products in the market, which can make things easier for you.