5 Simple Cycle Service/Maintenance Tips to Increase Performance and Lifespan

Cycling trend is on the rise, with people all over the globe adopting cycling in their daily routine to better their lifestyle and strengthen their health for good. But what about the health of your cycle? Does it not need any health check-ups from time to time? One needs to take responsibility of their possessions and respect the value they offer in our lives. Cycles are one of those things which provide great benefits and bring sheer joy on a daily basis.Here are 5 simple maintenance tips you can use at the convenience of your homes to increase the performance and life-span of your cycles in the long run:

1) Deep clean your cycle

Every month or two you need a deep clean scheduled for your bicycle. You will need a big sponge combined with hot and soapy water. Clean your bicycle like a cow cleans its new-born calf except it’s not your tongue. Put on some music, get in the zone and you will be done shining the bicycle in matter of minutes. The second stage to a clean bicycle involves degreasing the oily parts such as chain set and gearing equipment with a degreaser. Lastly do not forget to lubricate your bicycle with a fine lubricant.

2) Fixing Gear and Brake Cables

While you are at it you might as well check another important part of your bicycle i.e. cabling of your gear and brakes. An unfit cable will always create hassles while riding your bicycle, so do check the cables and replace them when needed. Also index your gears for fine gear shifting. This little adjustments to your bicycle will surely result in increased performance and braking on the roads.

3) Optimum Tyre Pressure

Inflating your bicycle tyres at correct pressure is another significant factor for good riding performance. Right tyre pressure is crucial for speed efficiency of the bicycle and also for reducing the risk of puncturing the bicycle. Checking your tyre pressure and adjusting it before every ride should be in routine of a rider. The tyre pressure is directly proportional to rider’s weight, if rider weighs less than 70 kg then pressure should be little less than 100psi, whereas if the weight exceeds 70kg then pressure should be 120psi.In rainy weather reduce the tyre pressure by a bit to minimize risk of skidding.

4) Tighten Your Bolts

Riding your cycle daily can result in some loosen bolts, which can cause injury if stayed unnoticed. So regularly check your bolts and tighten them up to ensure safety. You don’t need any complex tools, a simple wrench in your home will do the job. This will take hardly 5 minutes but will keep you and your bicycle safe.

5) Replace Components

In longer run, there will always be some components which will wear out eventually. So you do have to replace them with new ones to keep your bike in a good condition. In these matters owning a cost friendly bicycle helps, so that you don’t have to spend a major amount on these necessary replacements. You have to do an annual inspection of your bicycle to check which parts are working and which needs to get replaced.