Spring is finally here again, meaning it's time to get your bike out of the garage in time for the warmer weather. However, if your bike has been sitting in storage for the long winter, it's probably not ready to ride right away, and will need a bit of work before you hop on. Here are the maintenance steps you should take before you get on your bike this year.
Clean It Up
Your bicycle has probably gotten a bit dusty and dirty while sitting around in the garage between the seasons. Take some time to properly clean up the frame and chain of your bike when you first break it out for the season. This will help it run more smoothly, while also giving you a nice clean bike to start out your rides.
Refill Your Tires
In between seasons, it's likely your bike's tires have at least partially deflated. The temperature change throughout the year affects the air pressure in your bike's tires, which means even if your tires are fine, they'll probably need some extra air. High pressure road bike tires should be pumped up at least once a week, hybrid tires every two weeks, and mountain bike tires at least every two to three weeks.
Make Some Repairs
If you haven't ridden your bike in a few months, there might be a few parts that don't work the way you remember them working. From aero brake levers to toe clips for bicycles, there are a lot of parts that might need repair or outright replacing. Take a good look before you ride for the first time this season to see if everything looks right, and if not, you'll want to stock up on all the right bike parts to get your bike in good condition.
Maintain Throughout The Season
When working on your maintenance for the beginning of the season, figure out a maintenance routine for the rest of the spring and summer. Stock up on the parts you'll need for repairs now so you're ready in case something breaks down.
If you need parts to get your bike ready for the warmer months of the year, including aero brake levers, toe clips, bike chains, and more, contact Ben's Cycle today.
