When the first rays of sunlight appear, it makes you want to spend time outdoors. If you’re planning on riding your bike, first start by checking it out for maintenance.
The first step you need to take to prepare your bike for the season is to clean it thoroughly. Use specialized products for this or simply combine dishwashing liquid with warm water. Use soft materials such as a cotton cloth or sponge to wipe it down. Remember to wash your bike dry – a microfibre cloth will absorb the moisture well.
This is an inseparable part of preparation for the spring season. It is best to use a special oil designed for this purpose. This will lubricate your chain. You can do this without taking it off your bike. However, if you want to clean it thoroughly, place it in a bottle of extraction gasoline after pulling it out.
You should lubricate not only the chain, but also the shock absorber, brakes and the hubs, i.e. the wheel axle.
The second step is to take a close look at the tires, and check the pressure. If there are holes, cracks or other damage to the texture of the rubber, they will need to be replaced. This affects road safety, so it’s incredibly important.
Assess the pressure in your tires. Once inflated, see if it matches the manufacturer’s recommendation. You’ll find this information on the sidewall of each tire. If you still don’t know if the pressure is right, check how much the rubber flexes when you get on your bike. When you feel the tires deflect more than an inch, you need to re-inflate them.
How do I prepare my bike for spring? The final step is to check the brakes, which is also important for road safety. Finally, do a test to see if the wheels spin straight. Simply spin the rims after turning the bike upside down. If they need adjusting, you can do it with a spoke wrench, but it’s best to go to a bike repair shop. The same is true if you feel play after turning the wheel from side to side when slightly raising the bike.
