If you have been grinding out the winter miles, your bike will
certainly be in need of some attention. If you have been riding a
designated winter bike make sure, before you consign it to the
shed, that you have given it a complete clean and service. Some
time spent now, or some work given to your local bike shop, will
save you frustration in the autumn.
If you will be riding the same bike through the summer, take
advantage of a recovery week to give it an overhaul. Pay particular
attention to tyres, brakes and the drivetrain. Check that the
seat-post hasn't seized, there is no water inside the frame and
replace any rusted bolts. Even with regular diligent cleaning,
salted winter roads can really take their toll so don't be
surprised if you have to part with some money. If you have got some
early season races or events, you may want to take off your
mudguards but, if not, we advise keeping them on through the spring
showers season.
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Go through all of your winter kit and make sure that it is all
clean and dry before packing it away. Wash and re-proof waterproofs
using products recommended by the manufacturers. If you have been
using neoprene overshoes, make sure you rinse them well to remove
salt from road spray and use a water dispersant on the zips. Again,
some time spent now, will save you annoyance and money when winter
arrives again.
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With modern cycling clothing, if you dress correctly, you can be
comfortable in all conditions. Flexible layers are the key to
staying comfortable in mixed conditions typical of spring. Must
haves include:
arm/leg/knee warmers
toe covers or lightweight overshoes
gilet or lightweight wind/waterproof
lightweight gloves
casquette for under your helmet
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What happens when a rim wears out
If you're lucky, you'll be pumping up your tyres nice and hard,
you'll hear a crack, then nano-seconds later you'll hear a loud
bang. When the dust settles and you've recovered from the shock,
you'll notice that a razor sharp aluminium hoop has parted company
from your wheel. You'll also notice that your tyre sidewall is
probably ripped and your tube is history.
If you're unlucky, the same thing will happen to you when you're
out riding. You can fill in the rest...
The image below shows a rim from a customer who didn't know
there rim was worn and replaced a tube & this is what
happened when he tried inflating the new tube.
![IMG_0688[1]](/media/21854/img_0688_1__500x375.jpg)
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This time of year there is a dramatic increase in bicycle
punctures. This is usually because of the hedge cutting that takes
place throughout June but also the gause bush and hawthorn bushes
on the pathways around our lovely island paths.
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Another common misunderstanding which makes cycling harder for
the rider is saddle height.
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The chain is fundamental to the bicycles transmission yet so
many run these either dry or rusty or over oiled and dirty. A chain
should be one of the most cared for components of your bike. When
you purchased a new bike it was clean enough that you could eat a
packet of crisps directly after touching the chain.
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Sounds simple but ensuring you have the correct tyre pressure is
an important part of bike maintenance.
The easiest way to make your cycling harder than necessary is to
ride with your tyres under pressure.
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