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Getting Your Bike Ready For Spring

For most of the country, the days are getting longer and the temperatures milder.  If you have not gotten out for your first ride, or you did, and there were some issues with your bike, it is time to address them with some Spring cleaning and maintenance.

To get your bike ready for spring, focus on cleaning, expecting and lubricating components.  Don’t forget to check chain tension, spokes, and tighten any loose bolts.  Winter temps can do funky things to a bike that has been sitting still for several months, so never assume that the way you left it is the way it will be.  

 

1. Cleaning:

  • Remove dirt and grime: Especially if your bike has been in the garage, but even inside the house, cleaning is the first step.  The dirt and debri that winter driving collects comes in the garage and gets in the air.  It loves to settle on anything moist, like a chain.  Use a brush and soapy water to clean your bike frame, wheels, and components. 
     
  • Clean the drivetrain: Pay special attention to the chain, cassette, and chainrings, as dirt and grime can cause wear and tear.  As dirt collects in the chain and drivetrain, it grinds within the chain and wears it down like a fine sandpaper. 
     
  • Dry thoroughly: Do not be in a hurry to do this before your first ride, take your time, maybe carve out some time the day before to do this.  Ensure all parts are completely dry before moving on to the next steps. 
     

2. Inspection:

  • Check for damage: Inspect the frame, wheels, and components for cracks, dents, or other damage.  While you are riding is NOT the time to find a crack.
     
  • Check the spokes: Ensure they are tight and not rusted.  Spin the wheels one at a time and make sure the wheel has no wobble.  This would be a sign of a bad or loose spoke and needs to be addressed by replacement or truing. 
     
  • Check the chain: Look for wear, rust, or excessive stretching.  Get yourself a Park Tool Chain Checker.  It is probably the least expensive tool you will buy, but will save you $ and problems. 
     
  • Check the brakes: Ensure brake pads have sufficient material and that brake levers engage properly. This is another item that you do not want to find the problem on your ride…OUCH.
     
  • Check the tires: Inspect for cuts, cracks, or bulges, and check tire pressure.  Winter temp changes can dry and crack tires.  These are what is between you and asphalt or gravel, take care of them. 
     

3. Lubrication:

  • Lube the chain: Apply a chain lubricant to prevent rust and ensure smooth shifting.  Make sure the chain and any other component is dry before applying. 
     
  • Lubricate cables: Lubricate brake and shifter cables to ensure smooth operation.  If you are not attune to doing this yourself, have an experienced mechanic look at them, or get on YouTube, there are a plethora of DIY videos out there, like: I Know a Guy Bike Channel. 
     
  • Service bearings: Check and lubricate bearings in the bottom bracket, hubs, and headset. All of these can get a little sketchy after sitting a while.  Check them all!
     

4. Tire Pressure and Function:

  • Inflate tires: Ensure tires are inflated to the recommended pressure. If your tires have lost pressure, that is natural, Rubber is porous.  But check to make sure they hold air once you inflate to optimal PSI.
  • Check tire condition: Inspect tires for wear and tear and replace if necessary. 
     

5. Brakes:

  • Check brake pads: Ensure brake pads have sufficient material and are in good condition. 
     
  • Test brake function: Ensure brake levers engage properly and that the wheels stop smoothly.  
     

6. Chain Tension:

  • Check chain tension: Ensure the chain is not too loose or too tight. This can cause all sorts of shifting problems and not allow the chain move freely.
  • Adjust if necessary: Adjust the chain tension as needed. 
     

7. Bolts and Tightening:

  • Check all bolts: Ensure all bolts are tightened to the correct torque specifications.
  • Use a torque wrench: Use a torque wrench to ensure bolts are tightened to the correct specifications.  It is easy to strip a nut by too much torque.  This will save you buckets of $$ by using one. 
     

8. Additional Tips:

  • Get a bike fit:If you’ve made changes to your bike or haven’t had a bike fit in a while, consider getting one.
     
  • Test ride:Take your bike for a test ride to ensure everything is working correctly.
     
  • Consider a professional tune-up:If you’re unsure about any of these steps, consider taking your bike to a professional mechanic for a tune-up.
If you are not sure of where a qualified bike mechanic is, check out our directory at 
 
Happy Riding-
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