| All metallic objects, including bikes, can rust. If you | | | | you want your bike performing at it's best. |
| leave a bicycle outside in the elements, other | | | | Screws and nuts should be fastened down, and |
| moisture speeds up the rust process. That kind of | | | | cables should be properly connected. Make sure |
| corrosion can destroy your bike frame, cease up | | | | you take the time to align and adjust your brakes |
| your steering, or stop your gear and chain. It's | | | | regularly. Otherwise, they'll interfere with the |
| just like mom and dad said, put your bike away | | | | rotation of the tire. And make sure to replace |
| when you're done using it. | | | | your brake pads if they are showing signs of |
| What you should do is keep it protected from the | | | | wear and tear. |
| elements, in a place like the garage, carport, or | | | | The difference between walking and riding is that |
| shed. You can also put it in your home, just keep | | | | chain on your bike, so keep it in working order. |
| it out of the weather. If you are forced to still | | | | Keep dirt and debris out of the gear and make |
| have your bike outside, it's crucial you at least | | | | sure you've lubricated them. The easiest way to |
| cover it with some kind of water resistant tarp. | | | | lubricate your gear is to simply flip the bike over |
| Tying it down isn't too difficult, you just put the | | | | and apply the lubricant. Look carefully and check if |
| tarp on top of the bike and use bungees, rope, or | | | | there's anything looking out of place. If the chain |
| some stones to keep the tarp in place. | | | | isn't tight enough, fix it. A loose chain actually |
| Make sure you do a good job so the wind doesn't | | | | tends to fall off the bike altogether right in the |
| remove the tarp. Maintaining bicycle tires is one of | | | | middle of pedaling. That can be annoying, but also |
| the easiest things you can do for your bike. Not | | | | extremely dangerous depending on where it |
| to mention how critical tires are to a bike. Tires | | | | occurs. The chain shouldn't be too tight, but it |
| should be inspected and filled before and after | | | | definitely shouldn't come off easily. |
| every ride! Make sure you also note the | | | | So what's the minimum you need to fix a bike on |
| suggestions on the side of the rubber and to take | | | | the road? Typically a tire pump, a tube spare, and |
| them into consideration. Careful inspection of the | | | | a repair kit. Make sure that kit has a general tool |
| tire is necessary to avoid problems down the line. | | | | sit that includes all the basics like screwdrivers, a |
| The tire shouldn't have any scrapes, cuts, bumps | | | | spoke wrench, wrenches, and a chain master link. |
| or tears. Those kind of tire issues tend to equal a | | | | A bike is like any other machine and need to be |
| flat tire. | | | | regularly maintained to function properly at all |
| Another thing to note on the tires is the treading, | | | | times. |
| it shouldn't be too worn. If you notice the wheel | | | | A bike that hasn't been cared for can literally |
| has a leak or has weak spots, you should | | | | leave you stranded, but a bike that actually has |
| probably replace your tires. Tune your brakes if | | | | been cared for, you may use for years. |