05/02/2021
I see so many neglected bikes, i thought i'd give a quick list of things anyone can do to keep from having to take their bike in for service-
1) DON'T LEAVE YOUR BIKE OUTSIDE. If you leave your bike outside, it will take 6 months to a year, but sooner or later, it will be unrideable and require an expensive service.
2)CHECK YOUR TIRES BEFORE EVERY RIDE. If you don't know what your tire pressure should be, check the sidewall or ask your local bike shop. Bike tire pressures vary widely, from 20 psi to 130 psi. But keeping your tire pressure at or near the recommended psi will extend the life of your tires, and will eliminate most flats. If you will not be riding your bike for an extended period, consider flipping it upside down onto the seat and handlebars; if you don't, the tubes will go flat, the tires will crack under the weight of the bike, and you will need new tires before that next ride.
3)LUBE YOUR CHAIN EVERY FEW MONTHS. I see a lot of variation in this regard- some people use way too much l**e, others don't l**e at all. Prop the rear wheel against a wall in such a way that the cranks won't hit something. Shift until the chain is on the smallest (outermost) cog. I prefer a dry l**e. Drip the l**e onto the chain while turning the cranks backward. Don't spray, particularly if you have disc brakes.
4)REPLACE CABLES EVERY 5 YEARS. Replacing cables will restore that new bike feeling, especially if it's getting hard to shift, or your brakes are dragging on the rim. It's a relatively cheap way to make an old bike feel new.
