Summer is the perfect season for bicycling. Take your bicycle out of the store and make sure it’s ready to hit the tracks. Assess its overall condition and sort out all kinds of maintenance problems with the following bicycle tune-up checklist for summers.
Bicycle Tune-up Checklist for Summers Explained
From exploring the great outdoors to staying fit, cycling in the UAE has many advantages. However, before taking your ride out on the tracks, follow these steps to get your bicycle ready for summers.
Adjust the Seats
Cycling in the summers has a charm of its own, but before getting on the cycling track, make sure you adjust the seats. Tighten the seat and adjust it properly before going for a bicycle ride. A loose seat isn’t just uncomfortable, it’s also unsafe. Replace the bike seats immediately if the springs are exposed or the seat cover is worn out.
Check Tyre Pressure
Tyres of your bicycles lose air if they are kept in storage or, in other words, not used for a while. Therefore, in the bicycle tune-up checklist for summers adding air to the tyres is really important. Buy a good quality air pump and add in the air according to the manufacturer’s recommended levels.
Check Wheel Spokes
Another important thing in the bicycle tune-up checklist for summers is to check the wheel spokes. Wheel spokes are responsible for keeping the bicycle wheels straight. Therefore, before going for bicycle riding in summer, check them and make sure they are tight. If not, use a wrench to tighten the wheel spokes.
Check Bicycle Brake Levers
Pull your bike’s brake levers and ensure they work on both sides of each wheel’s brake pads. The brakes are not supposed to stick when you pull them, their function is to completely stop the wheel in motion. If that is not happening, it means the cables in the brake levers have become sticky or frayed. Replace them before going out bicycling.
Check the Brake Pads
When activated, the brake pads are supposed to press against the rim. The brake pads should not be loose or wiggly. If that is happening, it means the brake pads have worn out. Replace them. If they are still far from the rim adjust the cable.
Check the Bicycle Chain
Press your fingers against the top chain to check the tension in your bicycle chain. The top chain should not move more than ¼ or ½ inches. Loose chains can come off while riding and get you in an accident. On the other hand, a chain that is too tight can damage the gears. Make sure the chain isn’t too loose or too tight. Remember, chains can stretch over time, therefore replace the bicycle chain when required.
Lube Bicycle Chain
Use a degreasing solvent to clean the chain. Apply a dry lubricant on the rear set of gears, front gears, the chain itself and all the moving parts of the crankset.
Check the Light
Check for worn-out batteries in the bike lights and reflectors. If you use rechargeable lights, charge the batteries and make sure all the battery lights are working before heading out for a summer bike trip. If the condition of your bicycle’s lights is bad, replace them. Here is a list of bicycle and cycling accessories for sale in the UAE, including lights and horns.
Check for Rust
Before taking your bicycle out in the summers, check for rust. Make sure the bike chain, cables and all the nuts and bolts are rust-free. If they are rusted, get them replaced immediately.
Check the Helmet
Though this step has got nothing to do with a bicycle’s tune-up, it is the most important step for riding. Make sure you always wear a helmet when riding. If you don’t have one, you can buy helmets and other cycling equipment online at a range of different prices. As per the UAE’s cycling rules, you can not ride a bicycle without a helmet.
We explained the bicycle tune-up checklist for summers. Following the aforementioned steps, you can easily service a bike at home. However, if there are certain mechanical issues that need professional help search for a bicycle tune-up near me on google and take your bicycle to an expert.
Besides, if you want to buy a new bike for summer, here is a list of used bicycles for sale in the UAE.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more on bicycles and car tune-ups and DIY solutions.
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