Mountain biking is an exciting hobby as the experience of cruising through the rocks, and rugged landscapes can be matched by few. However, mountain biking can turn out to be an expensive hobby if you are not careful. It is very straightforward to go to a mountain bike shop and purchase the best bike according to your budget, or even visit the shop every few weeks and check out the newest accessories in the scene. You could also visit such for simple, but costly fixes, which can quickly be done if you get a few tools Central Electricity and learn a little bit about mountain bike Outbound Lighting maintenance.
Your mountain bike compares to a car, which needs regular service for it to run smoothly and steer clear of any major issues. The difference is that a mountain bike has a simpler structure and you can easily maintain it by yourself and only take it to the shop when the issue at hand is very complicated. Here are some few tips on how to maintain a mountain bike and keep it running smoothly;
Dedicate A Working Space
If you are a seasoned mountain biker and probably have more than one bikes in your household, it is essential to set aside a mini garage for your bike. This could be in the main garage, in your house or somewhere underneath a shed. This area should be well ventilated and have enough space to turn around the bike and allow you to work on it without any hassle. It should serve as your storage point for all your tools and other things such as grease. It is wise to invest in a bike stand, as it can hold your bike off the ground and make it simpler for you to work on it.
Clean Your Bike Regularly
Cleaning your bike consistently is a sure way of increasing its lifespan. Do it using an ordinary biodegradable cleaner, a towel, and a sponge. It may be necessary to get a small brush that will help you to clean the small spaces on the mountain bike. Do not be mistaken and think that using bucket loads of water will do the trick. Gentle rain like spray will do the trick as the essential thing about cleaning is removing the hidden dirt particles and rinsing away the soap residue which does not need lots of water. Schedule your cleaning session such that your bike is always clean and the best way of doing so is cleaning it the moment you get home from your expeditions.
Check Your Brakes
Brakes are crucial parts of your mountain bike, and their condition can be the difference between you being able to maneuver a corner smoothly or crashing into the bush. Loose brakes are dangerous and can lead to mountain bike accidents. During your routine tune-ups, check the brakes and ensure that they are working well. You could start by looking at the brake pads which wear out after some time and have a massive impact on how well the brakes work. If the pads wear out, you will notice a reduction in the sharpness of the brakes, and you should replace them. Do this for both the front and rear brakes since they should all be working well.
The Wheels
The rims hold the tires in their position and offer you balance when riding the bike. They should be aligned well and ensure that the contact between the tires and the ground is consistent. Inconsistent contact greatly affects the stability of the bike and could lead to accidents. You can check them by lifting your bike and spinning the wheels which should move without wobbling. A wobbling rim can be fixed using a spoke wrench which adjusts the wires that are on your mountain bike wheels. However, if the damage is severe and the wobbling can’t seem to go away, consider replacing the wheels altogether.
How Is the Drivetrain, Working?
A bike’s drivetrain includes all the parts that help in its movement. These are the pedals, chain, rear wheel cassette, and chainring among others. This part is vital since it transforms the power generated by the action of your limbs to the bike to aid in movement. Checking this part is best done when the bike is raised. When you manage to get it off the ground, spin the wheels and try shifting through the gears. The transition should be smooth, and the bike should be able to move from the low gears all the way to the high ones and back smoothly. Check the chain, derailleur and other moving parts for any signs of wear and tear. These parts are always moving, and they should be replaced after some time to avoid making the bike inefficient. The chain should not be left for too long after wearing out since it will affect some other parts of the drivetrain.
Tire Pressure
The tires are essential in giving traction to the ground which allows one to move over different types of surfaces easily. They also offer some form of damping and protects the rider against shocks. Ensure that your tires have the right pressure, which is different for the various terrains you are going to ride through. Lower pressures give you more grip on the loose ground but are more susceptible to flats. Air will always escape from the tires is you store your bike on a cold surface. Check your tires for cracks on the side wall. Try and notice any signs of wear and tear which may imply that it is about time for you to replace your tires. Worn out tires are dangerous as they can easily burst and lead to accidents when you least expect.
Lubricate
Your mountain bike consists of several moving parts which should all be well lubricated. The basic laws of friction dictate that these parts are always subject to wear and tear and lubricating them will extend their lifetime. Apply oil to the chain while slowly moving the peddle as it is the part that is always in motion when riding. A well-lubricated bike makes shifting and braking easier, therefore enhancing the performance of the bike.
The mentioned tips are essential for maintaining your bike, and they have highlighted some of the critical areas that need attention when trying to keep your bike in top condition. Once you are a pro in mountain bike maintenance, you will save a lot of money and enjoy your biking experience to the fullest.