Bike Tips eZine
Bike Maintenance
Written by: Barry Page
© copyright 2003-2007 www.atbmx.com

In this issue we will cover simple bike maintenance. A little preparation and maintenance goes a long way when caring for your bike. Some of this may sound a little elementary, but everyone should have a good understanding of the basics. In future issues we will cover specifics and more technical issues.

When working on your bike it is important to use the right tools. DO NOT attempt to work on your bike with ordinary house tools like pliers and vice-grips. Expert riders generally have a full suite of professional tools in their garage and tune their bikes regularly. You can purchase professional tools at your local bike shop. If you can't find what you need there, try these online superstores JensonUSA, PerformanceBike.com or Nashbar.com

Most bikes now days use metric size wrenches. It should be a given that the FIRST thing you purchase with your bike along with safety equipment is a good pump. Go ahead and get a nicer one with a built in guage and an adapter for presta or schraeder. Some of the most common other tools you will need are:

Bike Tools

1. 8mm, 9mm, 10mm, 13mm, 15mm and 17mm open/closed in box wrenches.
2. 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 8mm and 10mm allen wrenches. Small combo sets are available.
3. Tire tools, You can pick these up for a few bucks at most shops or even super marts.
4. Headset or spanner wrenches. Get the proper size for your bike at better shops.
5. Bottom bracket tools. Again, get the proper type and size for your bike at better shops.

Some popular tools that work well
 PARK BK-2 ROLL UP WORKSHOP

 PARK HHP-2 HEADSET PRESS

 PEDRO'S PRO T/L HANDLE HEX SET - 9 PIECE

Most of the time when we ride we just jump on our bike and go, but to keep our bikes riding at peak performance we should take the time to properly tune our bike each time we ride. Here are a few simple steps you can take before riding that will keep you riding smoothly.

Regular Bike Maintenance

1. Air up your tires to the desired pressure, check this each time you ride. Tires list their correct pressure on the sidewall. Often overlooked, this is the single most important thing you can do. Low tires can cause added stress to other parts on your bike as well as pinched tubes and flats.
2. Check your handlebars and stem to make sure everything is snug and tight. Loose bars can cause accidents and lead to slippage. Check your headset while you’re at it, this often comes loose first and can cause major damage to your bike if ridden while loose.
3. Check your brakes and adjust them properly. If you are uncertain how to do this, visit your local bike shop. Some brakes are harder to adjust than others, so learn about your particular brakes. At a minimum, clean your discs and/or rims from any dust or debris.
4. Clean and adjust your chain. Your chain should have a slight coating of lube, but not too much. If it is dry, add some lube. Most lubes today are Teflon based, just be sure not to use household or motor oil. Wipe off any excess and make sure it turns freely.
5. Tighten and adjust any shifting cables. Derailleurs usually don’t need a whole lot of maintenance unless they get bent or knocked out of whack in a fall. Again, consult your local shop if you are unsure how to do this.

These 5 steps should take you no longer than 10 minutes and will add countless hours to your bike’s life. Not to mention the time it will save you from breaking down while riding.

Make working on your bike a breeze with a
PARK PCS-4 DELUXE HOME STAND

One of the most common bike repairs is the flat. Here we will cover this basic repair in detail. Flats can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time, no matter how new or old your bike. And, they can happen in the most unlikely of places in the most inconvenient circumstances. A flat is something that everyone should know how to fix and/or change.

Depending on what type of tires you are running, your tires may have tubes. If so, most people today just replace their tubes when they have a flat. But, if you are on a budget or you have some time, you can patch your tube. You also will want to be aware of the type of valve you have, presta or schraeder. Presta is the skinny one and schraeder is the fatter one found on most pneumatic tires including cars. Most mountain bikes use presta valves and most bmx bikes use schraeder. Schrader valves are generally seen as tougher and are easier to locate a pump for if you are stranded. So, if you run presta be sure to keep an adapter with you. Here are the basics:

Changing a Flat on a Bike

1. If you run gears, shift into the smallest cog. Some bikes also have a special tab for hanging your chain so it’s out of the way.
2. Pull and release any quick releases on your brakes if you run calipers. This will allow the wheel to slide out easily.
3. Remove the wheel by loosening the axle nuts or quick release. Nuts are usually a 15mm, although some bmx bikes now use a 17mm, and turn counter-clockwise. Quick-releases should pull away from the bike and release the wheel.
4. Release any air that may be in the tire or tube. Press or unscrew the valve stem to do this. Presta stems require that you press and release air first and that you retighten after.
5. Plastic tire tools work best for removing the tire from the rim. Use a tire tool to pry the tire from the rim and hold it in place with the spokes. Repeat this step as you use another tire tool to work your way around the wheel. Once you have a few you should be able to just slide the tool around the rim and pull one side of the tire off.
6. Once one side of the tire is off, pull the tube out if you have one. Tubeless tires can be patched as well if the hole is not too bad. Special tire patching kits are available. Stans (No Tubes) and Slime (Slime Tubeless Tire Puncture Sealant) make products designed specifically for tubeless tires.
7. Use a rag to run your hand all the way around the inside of the tire. This will help you locate and clean out any thorns, nails or debris. If something is lodged in the tire like a nail or screw, use pliers to pull it out and fill the hole with glue, a plug or a patch if possible.
8. Put a small amount of air in your tube before inserting it into the tire. Put the valve stem through the rim hole and work the tube into the tire. The tire should then be rolled onto the rim with your hands. DO NOT use a screwdriver, this could pinch the tube.
9. Once the tire is on the rim, add air to it until it seats on to the rim evenly. If you have caliper brakes you may want to wait until the wheel is on the bike before airing it up completely.
10. Place the wheel back on the bike making sure the tire tread is pointed in the proper direction. Tighten the wheel securely and air it up to the desired pressure. Be sure to close any quick releases securely on your brakes and wheels.

A little preparation before you ride will ensure your bike remains in good shape. The more you ride the more you will have to work on your bike. And, the better you become at working on your bike the more likely you will be able to fix any problems that may arise.

Below are links to some of my favorite and popular tools that work well:

Park Tool Basic Tool Kit/Race Kit BK-2

Park Tool® Home Mechanic Floor Pump

Park® CT-5 Mini Chain Brute Chain Tool

Now that your bike is dialed, go out and ride!

Ride On,
Barry Page

Barry Page has been riding and racing bikes competitively for over 25 years. He has also worked as a mechanic, owned his own bike shop and worked in the bicycle industry for 15 years plus.