Spring Cleaning!

Get Your Bicycle Ready for Spring Riding: 5 Essential Tips

As the winter chill fades away and the warmth of spring beckons, it's time to dust off your bicycle and get ready for some fun rides ahead. To make sure your spring riding is smooth and enjoyable, here are five essential tips to get your bicycle ready for spring riding.

Start by giving your bike a thorough cleaning. Use a gentle detergent and water to remove dirt and grime from last season. Pay special attention to the chain, gears, and brakes. Once cleaned, lubricate the chain and moving parts with a high-quality bike lubricant to ensure smooth operation and prevent rust.

 

Tip 2: Check Tire Pressure and Condition

Inspect your bike's tires for any signs of wear, cuts, or punctures. Inflate the tires to the recommended pressure as stated on the sidewall of the tire. Proper tire pressure guarantees optimal performance, grip, and comfort while riding. Consider replacing old or damaged tires for a safer riding experience. If your bike is set up with tubeless tires you’ll want to check your sealant.

Tip 3: Examine Brakes and Cables

Test your brakes to ensure they are responsive and effective. Check the brake pads and rotors, if equipped with disc brakes, for wear and replace them if necessary. Inspect brake cables/hydraulic cable for any fraying or damage and adjust/bleed them for proper tension. Reliable brakes are crucial for your safety on and off the road, so don't overlook this step.

Tip 4: Drivetrain Check

With your bike in a work stand or by taking a test ride, shift through all the gears on your bike.  You want to make sure that every shift is crisp with no hesitation and the bike stays in that gear without any clicking or chain jumping.  If your gears are not shifting smoothly, you can adjust the derailleurs until smooth shifting is achieved.  If after dialing in your derailleurs you are still experiencing poor shifting performance, it might be time for a new chain and cassette.