May is national bike month, a time when we are supposed to get more familiar with our bicycles.
While the best way to do this is to simply hop in the saddle and start pedaling, if you want to get serious about cycling as a sport, hobby or mode of transportation, there’s more you need to know to optimize your experience.
“Bikes are really quite simple nowadays,” said Tory Grant of Old Town Bicycle. “There are a lot of things (the average cyclist) can do at home to care for their bikes.”
Here are nine tips for South Sound cycling experts for getting the most out of your bike:
1. LUBE THE CHAIN
Lubing a chain is important to keep your bike running efficiently. Doing this correctly is a skill every cyclist should have.
However, that’s not always the case.
The staff at Tacoma Bike says it’s seen customers try to lube their chains with motor oil, vegetable oil and even sewing machine oil.
“That doesn’t work,” said Tony Corke, a store employee.
Grant recommends using a wax-based lube because it repels rain. He says users shouldn’t apply the lubrication while it’s cold because it will harden before it adheres to the chain.
Simply apply the lube, then wipe down the chain afterward.
Oil lube typically cost about $10. Mike Brown, owner of Tacoma Bike, recommends using Boeshield T-9, a lube developed by Boeing.
2. CARE FOR THE CABLES
“The big thing people neglect more than anything is their cables,” Grant said.
Grant says putting on a fresh set of cables ($10-65) at the beginning of the year is a good way to make sure your gears shift properly.
“It’s a really inexpensive way that is probably one of the most noticeable differences on bikes,” Grant said.
In the meantime, Grant says, cyclists should clean and lube the cables. Chain lube works perfectly for this.
Shift gears so the chain is on the bigger cogs, then shift down without pedaling. At this point the cable housing should be able to slip forward exposing the cable so it can be cleaned and lubed.
“Even for a newbie it’s simple,” Grant said. “It only takes minutes.”
3. CHECK THE TIRES
The start of the season is also a good time to replace tires.
The rubber can dry out, making it easier to get flats and harder to grip the road.
Worn-out tires “diminish the ability to corner,” Corke said.
“If you are getting flats on a regular basis, it’s time for new tires,” Brown said.
4. CHECK THE CHAIN
Chain checkers are available for $10-20 at most bike shops. Most shops will also check your chain for free.
“It’s better to replace your chain more often than not,” Grant said.
While a new chain costs $20 or more, riding with a worn-out chain will cause more costly damage to the bike’s cassette.
5. CHECK THE BRAKE PADS
Bike techs recommend regularly checking your brake pads to make sure they aren’t worn too low or encrusted with particles of metal from the wheel’s rim.
“If it is, it compromises brake performance because you have metal on metal,” Grant said.
The fix is easy. Either buy a new pair of pads for about $10 or file down the pad to remove the aluminum flecks.
“It is a good way to extend the life of the pads,” Grant said. “And there are wear indicators that let you know when you’ve gone too far.”
6. CHECK THE REAR DERAILLEUR
Darrin Reisenauer, a mechanic at Old Town Bicycle, says the most common issue he sees is bent rear derailleur. Sometimes the cyclists don’t even realize it’s damaged.
Because the rear derailleur and hanger are the widest part of the bike, they are more susceptible to damage. Most of the time, the damage occurs during transportation, although clipping a curb is also a good way to bend the component.
Checking the derailleur is easy, Reisenauer said. Simply stand behind the bike and check to make sure the two small jockey wheels are aligned one directly above the other. If they are not aligned, they can usually be repaired with a simple adjustment. However, you should leave this to a professional. The repair typically costs about $15, said Rick Boatman of Old Town Bicycle.
7. BEWARE OF THE TRAINER
Putting your bike on a trainer – a device that allows you to ride in place – is a good way to avoid the misery of pedaling the streets during the cold and wet months. However, it’s not without potential harm to your bike.
Boatman says to wipe down your bike after each use. Sweating over the handlebars and the front components can cause damage.
Too many miles on the trainer can also wear flat spots into the rear tire. While these tires are fine for the trainer they are susceptible to flats on the road.
Many cyclists save old tires to use on trainers.
8. CONSIDER A BIKE FIT
Even if you feel good on your bike, chances are you could feel even more comfortable by getting a bike fit.
Grant often spends up to three hours with customers making sure their bike gives them the maximum amount of comfort and efficiency. He even uses video to show cyclists the changes in their form and how the changes can alleviate pain and help prevent injuries.
Local professional bike fitters say every cyclist should be fit to their bike.
While some riders luck into a good fit it’s more common for riders to pedal along with a bad fit not realizing they could be more comfortable.
Grant and Corke say there are limits to how well you can fit yourself to your bike at home.
“Even as a bike fitter, I cannot fit myself to a bike,” Corke said. “... You can get completely lost trying to make adjustments on your own. If you do, go to a bike a fitter.”
Not all bike shops offer fitting services. Local fitters include University Place’s Spoke & Sproket, Tacoma Bike and Old Town Bicycle. Expect to spend $100-$300 for a fit. You may spend more if you need new parts.
9. KNOW YOUR LIMITS
While many bicycle adjustments and fixes are easy to do at home, it’s just as easy to do more harm than good if you don’t know what you’re doing.
As a general rule, Corke and Grant say leave the derailleur and wheels to the professionals.
“Often a lot of people get themselves in trouble trying to adjust the derailleur,” Corke said. “And wheel truing, leave that to a professional. It takes some knowledge to get that set up right.
“If you aren’t sure you are doing it right, take it to your bike shop.”
Craig Hill: 253-597-8497
blog.thenewstribune.com/adventure
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