Know About Basic Mountain Bike Maintenance Tips and Technique
Bike riding is by far one of the most exhilarating outdoor activities there is. There is something about the feeling of wind in your hair as you pedal and navigate your bike that makes it so popular. If you are a biking fan then you know exactly what I am talking about. Mountain biking takes the fun and excitement from regular biking a couple thousand notches higher with off-road terrain and paths that are sure to give you quite the adrenaline rush. Given the risk involved in mountain biking, it is important for you to make the best choice of mountain bike model. In addition to the best brand, you must also make sure that you know about basic mountain bike maintenance tips and techniques. Below are six easy tips that should help you keep yours in perfect condition for your outdoor adventures.
Best Basic Mountain Bike Maintenance Tips and Technique
Keep an eye out for any tire abnormalities
The tires on your bike can either make or break your biking experience. It is therefore important to ensure that they are always in tip top shape before you go out riding. When checking the wheels, there are three key things to look out for The first is the pressure. This applies whether or not you are using tubeless tires. You can check the pressure by pinching the tire. If it gives way easily, make sure you pump it up until it is nice and tout. The second thing to look out for is the treads. If they appear worn out, you will need to replace the wheel to ensure that you have maximum grip especially on slippery or sloped terrain. Finally, always check to ensure that the wheels are properly tuned and aligned. You can do this by setting the bike up-side-down and spinning the wheels. If they turn without wobbling or touching the brake cables then you have nothing to worry about.
Keep the bike clean and dry
This is one of the most overlooked mountain bike maintenance tips and techniques. Although a dirty bike tells a story of all your adventures and good times, it is important to wash it regularly. You can do this using clean water and bike shampoos and soaps available online or in any hardware store. This helps to keep the moving parts like the breaks and chain clear and able to function properly. Cleaning also helps to keep up appearances leaving your bike looking as good and new as the day you bought it After giving your beauty a bath, it is also super important to make sure that it is kept dry. This prevents rusting that could cause friction and tear on the bike.
Lubricate the chains regularly
To long time mountain bikers, this is pretty obvious. Lubricating your chains and the parts where the turn is a major maintenance tip. This practice helps to prevent friction while you ride allowing you not only to enjoy yourself but also to stay safe. Lubricating the chains and other movable parts also helps by reducing wear and tear. This keeps the functionality and appearance of your bike great for a long time even with constant use on rough terrain.
Wrap your handle bar
Handle wrapping is done using any good adhesive tape. Most people use electrical tape. It is done by wrapping the tape on bot handles either over the old wrapping or after removing. It is done clockwise on the right bar and anticlockwise in the left. This is done for two main reasons. The first is to increase grip. Firm grip is important especially when you are navigating rough terrain. The second reason for wrapping the handle bars is to maintain their appearance. This way, you do not have to worry about the factory wrapping unwinding or tearing leaving you with ragged looking handle bars.
Look at, listen to and feel your brakes
Mountain biking with bad brakes is quite literally begging for trouble. It is therefore very important to make sure that you inspect them before you ride. Look at the brake pads to ensure that there is even wear and tear but not too much of it Listen for any screechy noises when you apply the brakes during your test ride. Finally, feel the pads and cables for any anomalies like unusual tightness on the cables or smoothness on the pads.
Get your bike serviced regularly
Unfortunately, no matter how good you are, you cannot do all the maintenance yourself. It is therefore very important to regularly take your bike for professional servicing and maintenance. Servicing includes tips 1 to 5 and so much more The people at these bike shops know about basic mountain bike maintenance tips and technique more than you ever will You bike and your fun experiences are safe in their very experienced hands.
Bottom line
The six tips above are super important and will help to keep your bike in great working condition for a very long time In addition to the maintenance of functionality and appearance, the tips will also improve safety. This way, it doesn’t matter if you are riding your bike on your smooth neighborhood sidewalk or on some hilly mountain side. The other great thing about the tips above is that they are all easy and most will cost you absolutely nothing. Therefore, whether you are a veteran biker or you have just taken up the hobby, these six tips are just as important to you as your helmet and knee guards are and are a must-have.
