Have you recently bought yourself a cycle? Do you think learning how to ride a cycle is all that you need? Well, we’re afraid not!
Apart from learning how to ride a cycle, getting a great one, and buying some cycling apparel, you also need to know how to maintain it. Only when you regularly maintain your cycle and keep it in top-notch condition will it serve you for a long time.
Also, by following some simple tips, you can limit your frequency of visiting your cycle shop too! So, if you happen to be a beginner and are worrying about maintaining your cycle, read ahead!
Here we have come up with the 7 best cycle maintenance tips for beginners that keep your vehicle in great condition! Read on to know it all!
Table of Contents
7 DIY Cycle Maintenance Tips for Beginners
Check out the list below of the DIY tips that are simple and extremely easy to follow:
1. Cleaning is important!
One of the DIY cycle maintenance tips is to keep your bike clean. Only when you clean your cycle regularly can you extend the longevity of it. You can use a bike cleaner or simple soap water to clean your cycle.
Also, you can keep some clean rags, chain degreaser, and cleaning brushes. When you use this DIY tip to clean your cycle, you can keep rust and corrosion far away from your bike.
2. Lubricate and Clean Your Drivetrain
Apart from washing your cycle, keeping a close watch on the drivetrain is exceptionally vital. It will ensure the longevity of your cycle and give you smooth gear shifts and rides.
If you’re someone who takes the cycle out only on a day when the sun shines bright, then you can do this DIY tip less frequently. But if you are out and about on rainy days and love to splash through the muds, lubricating and cleaning your drivetrain often is essential.
3. Quick Check on the Tire Pressure!
Another DIY tip is to keep a close check on the tire pressure. It is always advisable to check the pressure of your cycle every three days. And to your surprise, you’ll notice how the bike tubes lose out on the pressure quite often.
Also, you can try keeping a floor pump ready at home that comes with an air pressure gauge. You must keep in mind that tire pressure depends vastly on the condition of the road you’re riding the bike, your body weight, and the size and type of the tire you’re using.
4. Keep a Check on the Brakes
Brakes are a crucial part of a rider’s safety. Be it a four-wheeler or a two-wheeler. You need to make sure the brakes of your cycle are working and functioning correctly. So, always test the brakes, and wear brake pads.
Moreover, if you happen to use disc brakes, then keep the rotors clean. If the rotors happen to be contaminated, then the performance of the brakes will reduce.
5. Tighten Nuts and Bolts!
Would you like it when your cycle falls apart when you’re riding in it? Well, no one would want that! So, it is essential; you check if the nuts and bolts are tight enough. A weekly check is more than enough to make sure your cycle is working properly.
For this, keeping your manufacturer’s manual handy should be fine. You would definitely not want to overtighten the nuts and bolts, resulting in squeaky noises later on! Keep a wrench handy and know the right torque to tighten the cycle.
6. Ditch the wear and tear parts
Some people tend to hoard onto the components that are worn and torn off. But ensuring that you check and change them regularly is important. So, always inspect the chains, brake pads, tires, and cassettes at regular intervals.
Only when you do this will you be able to ensure your cycle is working well, ensuring your safety and increasing your cycle’s longevity.
7. Index Your Cycle’s Gears
Another quick tip you must not miss out on is this one! When you ride your cycle for quite some time, you might notice that the gears are not moving smoothly. If the derailleurs or cables are not completely damaged, re-index the gears.
And to do this, you would not have to visit any mechanic shop. You can easily do this at home! For that, you can try looking up some tutorials online to get to know the best way to re-index your cycle.
Final Thoughts
By following these quick tips, you will be able to increase your cycle’s longevity and ensure your safety. If you’re a beginner, this guide mentioned above should be enough to turn you into a pro!
