Global Sports: Basics About Bicycle Tune Up

Friday, August 28, 2015

Basics About Bicycle Tune Up

By Daphne Bowen


The purposes for which modern-day bicycles can be used for are ever increasing and getting more complex. In most developing countries, people use them for transportation as well as a source of employment. In more developed states, they get used in competitions, fitness training, and recreational purposes. All the aforementioned uses require proper bicycle tune up for them to be achieved easily and more effectively.

Poor bike maintenance can lead to accidents to the rider or other people or both. It can also lead to damage of property, which may cost the rider a lot of money in paying for damages caused. Bikes that are not maintained also wear our first, partly because of excessive friction between various parts and components. Most steps involved in tuning up a bike are pretty simple and for people who are hands-on, it should take a few hours to complete.

Some people do not like jobs that involve manual work like this one. If that is the case, it is advisable to take the bike to any bike shop. Cincinnati has several of such shops open most of the day. Experts working those shops charge reasonably and offer excellent services. A typical job will usually last about thirty minutes to one hour. Tips presented in the paragraphs below can be useful for those who decide to get the job done on their own.

Cleanliness is always the first thing that should be considered. A bike that is thoroughly cleaned is half-way maintained. Cleaning should be done using cleaning products that do not cause harm to the environment, people, or animals. There is a wide variety of biodegradable cleaners on the market to choose from. Special attention should be paid to cassettes, derailleurs, brakes, chains, chain rings, pedals, and frames during cleaning.

Dismounting may be necessary for some parts during the cleaning process. This should be done carefully. Once properly cleaned, the dismounted components should be greased and then remounted correctly. Oil should not be used to lubricate dismounted components because it is not durable. Instead bicycle grease should be used always.

The brake system must also be paid attention to. How effectively the brake system can stop the wheels from rotating must be checked. A rotating wheel should be able to be stopped at once when brake levers are pressed. Uneven wearing and damages in the brake pads must be checked too. If necessary, brake pads should be replaced.

Efficiency of the drivetrain must also be checked. The drivetrain is the system that transmits the force generated by pedaling to the rear wheel. As such, it needs proper servicing and greasing. Wherever necessary, any components that are loose should be tightened up. After that, wheels must be investigated for proper rotation and any misalignment caused by damaged by brake pads.

Finally, to ensure that no mistakes were made, one should do a test ride. The job cannot be complete the test ride. Some problems may be discovered as one test-rides and if that happens, then they must be fixed before taking the bike out.




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