It’s Tune Up Time!

By Mike Carroll
Spring is in the air. The snow has melted and the pot holes are blooming. (Have you called 311 today?) If you are anything like me, the first thing that you want to do when the weather gets nice is to dust off your bike and take it out for a spin around town. Before you end up on the side of the road with a problem, here are a few tips to make sure your bike is ready for the trip.

Air

Tires are one of the most important parts of your bike. Look them over to make sure they are ready for the season.

• Air Pressure. If you have not been on your bike in a while, chances are your tires need air. Pump them up the the recommended pressure.  If you are not sure what the recommended pressure is you can find the max pressure noted on the side of any tire. Still not sure? Ask someone at your local bike shop.
• Are your tires worn? Did you wear out your tires last season to the point that your tire is squared off or showing threads? It might be time to replace your tires. Your rear tires will wear out faster than the front. Some riders will rotate a less worn front tire to the rear of their bike to get more life out of it.  Moving a worn tire to the front however is not recommended, it can be dangerous and cause your bike to have poor handling on the road or trail. Be sure to drop off your old tires at one of PGH’s Public Works Recycling Drop-off Centers.
• Are there cuts and or glass in your tire?  While you are looking at your tires check for cuts and glass that could end your ride early. If you find a cut like the one above it might be time to replace your tire. Are you not sure? Ask someone at your local bike shop.

Wheels

Your wheels need regular maintenance too. You would be amazed how much they can change shape over the course of a year.

• Are your wheels true? No, you don’t have to play truth or dare with your bike. Before your first ride it is always a good idea to see if everything is still round.  If there is a bit of a wobble it’s time to get your wheels in a truing stand. Not sure what this means? Ask someone at your local bike shop or at Free Ride.
• Does everything spin freely? Dirty, worn, and loose hubs can cause your bike to handle poorly.  Make sure that everything is in good form before you start your season. Don’t know how to check this? Ask your local bike shop.

Brakes

• Check your brakes!  No seriously check your brakes. You don’t want to find out there is a problem while barreling down Rialto St.
• Inspect your brake pads. Brake pads wear out and need to be replaced. Check your pads and make sure they are ready to ride. Just because you can’t see the pads on a bike with disc brakes does not mean that your bike will stop magically.

Chain

• Did you know that chains can stretch? Winter riding with salt and road grime can wear a chain out faster than normal. When you ride around on a worn chain it will wear out your other more expensive drive train components. Again if you are not sure how to check your chain or don’t have the right tool, ask your local expert at the Bike Shop.

Here is a short video on how to check your chain for wear. 

 

Bar Tape / Grips

• Treat Yo Self. Nothing makes your bike look better than new, clean handle bar tape or grips. Your hands will thank you later.

Bike Fit

• Had Some Knee Pain? Was your knee or back hurting you at the end of the last riding season? Is your seat a pain in your … butt? It could be your bike fit is a bit off. Talk to the experts at your local bike shop and if you have never been fit properly it might be time to do it.

Clean Bike = Happy Bike

• Keeping your bike cleaned and lubricated all year will keep your bike happy. Show your bike some love and give it a bubble bath. First give your bike a light rinse with a hose, then use some soapy water and a brush to remove the grime. Be sure to re-lube your chain once you’re all done!

…Or nah?

If you’re not at all interested in cleaning and tuning your bike yourself, visit one of the many area local bike shops where you can use your BikePGH member discount to get a spring tune-up at a lower cost.

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