4 Best Care Practices For Every Beginner Bicycle Enthusiast

You love your new bike, and now you want to make sure it lasts through the years. Whether you like to ride it recreationally, to work, or even in races, there are many things you can do to keep your new bicycle in the best shape possible.

Keep it inside

Rain, snow, dirt, and moisture can do a serious number on your bicycle. The parts can wear out more quickly when you expose them to the elements more than necessary. This will end up costing you a lot of money in the long run because you'll have to replace parts before they really should need to be replaced. In addition, storing your bike indoors at night is the best way to ensure it doesn't get stolen from the bike rack, an unfortunately common crime.

Keep the tires inflated

One of the most important things you can do to take care of your bicycle is to keep the tires properly inflated at all times. If the tire pressure is too low, you have to work a lot harder to maintain your desired speed. It can also lead to more flats and potential crashes. You should keep them inflated even during your off-season times.

Test your brakes

Before you go out for a ride, you should test your brakes at least once a month. While standing, press your Dia Compe brake levers to see that the front and rear pads firmly grip the sides of the tires. If you have to pull your Dia Compe brake levers all the way to the handles to stop, and that still barely slows you down, then your pads need to be replaced.

Oil up the chain

Your track chain should never be dry to the touch. If it is, you should clean it and oil it. Wipe it down with rags and then apply bike lubricant on each link. As you do, slowly peddle backward, grabbing onto your toe clips, and distribute the oil. Finally, blot away any excess lubricant.


There are about one billion bicycles in the world today, which is roughly twice the number of motor vehicles. To take care of yours, make sure you follow the tips listed above. You can also check out our inventory so you can regularly replace parts you wear through like chainring bolts, track cranksets, Dia Compe brake levers, and more.