Now that the winter is finally over, although today is rainy and 3 degrees Celcius, and Spring has sprung, time to get the bike out of storage and get serviced for another riding season.
If you have ridden throughout the winter, at the very least you need to clean and lube everything. Make sure you have your chain checked for being within spec. One of the worst things for your drive train is a stretched chain. It will start carving out the grooves in all your chain rings and eventually you will not only have to replace the chain, but all you rings as well which could get real costly.
Last year, when I spent a boat load on a full service (because it had been years since it was done last), the technician suggested the chain be replaced every two years at least. You will spend about $50 each time, but it is peanuts compared to having to replace your whole drive train. And if you are going to ride during the winter, you might even consider a low-cost "beater" chain.
If you had your main ride stored or were riding a beater for the winter, a simple tune-up would suffice just to make sure everything is optimal.
One thing that may be overlooked is the condition of your tires. I know I have to get new rubber this year. The sidewalls on my trail tires are all cracking. These were kelvar bead tires (meaning you could fold them as opposed to wire bead which you cannot fold) they were more expensive. It depends on your needs. I got a deal on them years ago so I cannot complain.
Above all the objective is to have fun and a little preventative maintenance ahead of time will go a long way on the trail.
Showing posts with label cycling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cycling. Show all posts
Friday, April 11, 2008
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Winter is Here!
For those of you choosing to continue to commute this winter, now is the time to winterize your ride, or if your have a really good ride, time to store it for the winter and bring out the beater.
Winter conditions can wreak havoc on your drive-train. Slush and ice, and salt and sand can get into everything. Make sure you have cleaned and lubed you chain, shifters, brakes and cables.
You also want to make sure that you change your tires for something with more traction like knobbies or even some winter tires with studs. Since most of your control comes from the front, you want to make sure that your best traction is on the front first. Studded tires can run you some good coin, so if it is a question of back or front only, go with the front tire studded first and put a knobby on the back.
I recommend a rear fender that mounts to the seat post so that it gives plenty of clearance between it and the rear tire. That way it will not get packed in with slush and ice. I also have a cheap thin plastic guard on my down tube. It mounts easily with the provided velcro fasteners and it cost around 1 dollar. Low-tech, but works like a charm. Now most of the stuff coming off the front tire is blocked and drips down underneath as I ride.
Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) is an unbelievable resource for the cycling accessories for all seasons and for their knowledgable staff. Most of my bike accessories has been purchased from MEC.
Above all, you also want to prepare yourself for the weather. This means not only layering to keep you warm, but also make sure that you wear a waterproof outer layer like Gore-Tex riding gear and a good pair of gloves that allow you to use your shifters and your brakes.
Lighting during the winter is especially important. It is always a good idea to have multiple front and rear lights for better visibility. Maybe a rear flasher on your seatpost and one on the back of your helmet or backpack. For the front, use good strong lightning either on your handlebar, helmet or a combination of the two. Good reflection on your outer layer is always good as well.
You will enjoy it more if you are better equipped to deal with all that winter throws at us. Above all, do not take any chances especially in slick conditions. If you start to slide you can just put your feet down for better control. If a car, truck or bus is sliding, chances are they are not stopping until they hit something.
Just take extra caution on snowy days, or better yet, take public transit on those days.
Winter conditions can wreak havoc on your drive-train. Slush and ice, and salt and sand can get into everything. Make sure you have cleaned and lubed you chain, shifters, brakes and cables.
You also want to make sure that you change your tires for something with more traction like knobbies or even some winter tires with studs. Since most of your control comes from the front, you want to make sure that your best traction is on the front first. Studded tires can run you some good coin, so if it is a question of back or front only, go with the front tire studded first and put a knobby on the back.
I recommend a rear fender that mounts to the seat post so that it gives plenty of clearance between it and the rear tire. That way it will not get packed in with slush and ice. I also have a cheap thin plastic guard on my down tube. It mounts easily with the provided velcro fasteners and it cost around 1 dollar. Low-tech, but works like a charm. Now most of the stuff coming off the front tire is blocked and drips down underneath as I ride.
Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) is an unbelievable resource for the cycling accessories for all seasons and for their knowledgable staff. Most of my bike accessories has been purchased from MEC.
Above all, you also want to prepare yourself for the weather. This means not only layering to keep you warm, but also make sure that you wear a waterproof outer layer like Gore-Tex riding gear and a good pair of gloves that allow you to use your shifters and your brakes.
Lighting during the winter is especially important. It is always a good idea to have multiple front and rear lights for better visibility. Maybe a rear flasher on your seatpost and one on the back of your helmet or backpack. For the front, use good strong lightning either on your handlebar, helmet or a combination of the two. Good reflection on your outer layer is always good as well.
You will enjoy it more if you are better equipped to deal with all that winter throws at us. Above all, do not take any chances especially in slick conditions. If you start to slide you can just put your feet down for better control. If a car, truck or bus is sliding, chances are they are not stopping until they hit something.
Just take extra caution on snowy days, or better yet, take public transit on those days.
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