Bike check!

Hi friends. Ben Delaney here. May is a great time to give your bike a little TLC and get it ready to go for riding this season. Here are four quick tips. 

If any of these seem intimidating — or just like too much trouble — then take your bike to a shop, where the pros will be happy to get your rig dialed in.

WASH YOUR BIKE

That’s right; get out the hose and soap and a scrub brush, and clean that sucker. Washing your bike will not only make it look better, but it will also make it run more smoothly. Use a degreaser on your chain. Washing your bike is a great time to check it over for any cracks or dents or loose bolts.

LUBE YOUR CHAIN

After you've washed the bike and degreased the chain, let it dry, then put on some fresh lube, turning the cranks backwards as you do. Put a little lube on the pivoting center of the jockey wheels in the rear derailleur, too.

Lubrication will keep your drivetrain quiet, prevent it from rusting, and also will make the whole machine efficient. Free speed!

CHECK YOUR BRAKES

Take a close look at your brake pads to make sure you've still got plenty of life left in them. If not, replace them. 

Make sure that when you grab the brakes, you have plenty of stopping power. If not, adjust them!

If your brakes are rubbing, adjust them so that they don’t.

CHECK YOUR TIRES

Take a good look at the tread and sidewalls or your tires. If the tread is getting thin, or there are any cuts in your sidewalls, it’s time for some new rubber. Check your tire pressure. I recommend ENVE’s tire pressure calculator, where you look up your body weight, tire width, and inner rim width (if in doubt, just use the one on the far left), and you're given a suggested pressure. If you have tubeless tires, add fresh sealant. 

Again, if any of these steps seem intimidating, take your bike to a shop. However you get these four things done, having a bike in good-working order will help you maximize your time and enjoyment when out riding.