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HITTING THE ROAD> BIKE MAINTENANCE>
BIKE MAINTENANCE
From "Bringing Your Baby Home"
by Joe Lindsey
You don't need to turn yourself into a home mechanic to perform the basic TLC that'll keep your bike running smooth (although for some cyclists, maintenance becomes part of the fun).
The first--and most important--step is prevention. These are tasks anyone can perform. Before every ride:
| · | Check your tires for proper inflation (printed on the tire sidewall) and visually inspect them for cuts or excessive wear that indicate it's time for new tires.
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| · | If your chain is dry, put a drop of lube on each link pin (where the links meet). Backpedal the chain for a minute to work the lube into the pins, then wipe it clean with a rag. If your chain is dirty, clean it with a rag and degreaser before lubing.
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| · | Squeeze the brakes firmly. If they feel mushy, dial out (that's counterclockwise) the barrel adjusters on the levers or down at the brake arms.
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| · | Be sure the quick-release levers that clamp the wheels into the frame and fork are securely fastened, and that the wheels are centered.
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Other service requires either an investment in tools or a trip to the bike shop. Here's what you should plan for:
| · | Monthly: Check shifting and brakes; lube cables; check wheels for true and round; wash bike; lube suspension fork sliders.
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| · | Every 3 months: Check brake pads for wear; inspect chainrings and cogs for bent teeth; check shoe cleats for wear; check bolts for proper tightness; grease seatpost.
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| · | Every 6 months: Overhaul suspension fork; thoroughly clean drivetrain with solvent; replace chain (at least twice a year).
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| · | Yearly: Replace cables and housing; complete bike wash; lube bearings and replace gritty-feeling ones; true wheels; replace brake pads; overhaul fork.
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How Can I Fix a Flat-Fast?
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First, prepare for a flat before you have one. Sprinkle talcum powder (enough to lightly coat the tube) inside the tire to prevent the tube from sticking to the tire and to prevent the new tube from getting pinched between the rim sidewall and the tire.
Remove the wheel, then deflate the old tube completely. Pinch the tire bead together, then remove one side of the tire from the rim. The fastest way to do this is with a tire lever. Slip the lever underneath one side of the tire, then slide a second lever along the rim to open the tire. Pull the bad tube out. Run your hand along the inside of the tire to find the thorn or piece of glass that caused the flat.
Inflate the tube to about 10 psi, then fold it with the valve open to force air out until there's about 1 psi left in the tube. Tuck the tube into the tire, starting with the valve.
Reinstall the tire by hand-tire levers can pinch and cut the tube. Remount the bead on the opposite side from the valve so that the last, difficult section will occur at the valve. This ensures maximum possible slack in the tire bead. Hold the wheel on your lap and work your hands away from each other around the wheel, popping the tire bead onto the rim by pushing down with your thumbs, with your fingers resting on the back side of the rim.
For the last, tough section, crouch and put that section of the wheel on your knee. Hold the tire bead with your weaker hand to keep it from coming undone, and with your stronger hand, work about an inch of the section onto the rim. Pop it on by pushing down and forward with the heel of your hand. When you get to the valve, push it up inside the tire.
Inflate to about 15-20 psi, and rock the tire back and forth all the way around the rim to seat the tire bead on the rim. Inflate the tire, and you're ready to roll.
With practice, you can change a tube in about 90 seconds.
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