Build a Better Bike » Tutorials

Three quick bike tune-ups that go a long way

Bikewagon — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:36:20 +0000

Here are three things you can–and should–do regularly to keep your bike running smooth. Doing them all will only take a few short minutes (and hopefully help you avoid longer, more in-depth repairs on the road or trail):

Chain cleaning kit by Pedro's

1. Clean the chain. A bike chain cleaning kit includes a tool that gives your chain a good cleaning without having to remove it from the bike. Usually, the kits also include some chain-specific degreaser as well as some post-cleaning lubricant.

2. Adjust the brakes. Usually, the solution to poor break performance is just a simple adjustment. Adjust and align the pads so they’re making just the right amount of contact (either on the rim or on the rotor). You don’t want to stop too fast, but you do want to stop before you head over the cliff or off the side of the road. Regular brake adjustments will also help you see how the pads are wearing so you can get a new set before it’s too late and you have to stay behind while all your friends go riding.

3. Adjust the shift system. If your cable tension is too slack or too tight, you’ll start skipping gears. You make sure it’s where it needs to be by adjusting the derailleurs. Since derailleurs are some of the more complex bike parts, we’ll let the fine folks over at BicycleTutor.com show you how to do that. Check out their videos on adjusting a rear derailleur and adjusting a front derailleur for some good explanations and tips. Don’t be intimidated; once you learn how, it’s easy.

Doing these simple tasks on a regular basis will really help you ride with more confidence and assurance, knowing your bike is performing at it’s best. As always, if you have any other tips, please share.

Adapted from an article by Chris Cassidy in the July 2009 edition of Bicycling magazine.

Spring fever comes to everyone (but especially bikes)

Bikewagon — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 21:28:46 +0000

There’s a change in the air; it’s called spring. Remember? It’s when the sun comes back, birds reappear, and you start hearing a cry for help from behind that pile of sleds and skis in the garage. You know the voice. It’s an old friend. And with a tinge of guilt, you realize just how far you’ve let the relationship deteriorate. After all, you were practically attached at the hip just a few short months ago. Now it’s come to this: your beautiful bike, prostrate on the cement floor, covered in dust and your kids’ old snow pants. Will it ever forgive you?

Thankfully, it will, but not without a little tender loving care on your part:

Make sure you have the right supplies. Do you have a repair stand? How about a bike cleaning kit? Both will make the spring tune-up much easier. Oh yeah, the right bike tools really help, as well.
Give it a safety inspection.The good folks over Total Bike have put together a great little inspection guide for you, along with a shorter pre-ride checklist to help you get it running smooth and safe to ride.
Give it some grease. Unfortunately, WD-40 alone won’t cut it if you really want your bike to be at its best and keep working well. You’ll need some heavy-duty bike grease as well as some thinner, specialized lubricants for your chain and its friends.

As always, check out Bikewagon’s guides and video tutorials for extra help on the tune-up. And if you have any tried-and-true tips for getting your bike ready for spring, share the love and leave a comment below.

Cold-weather riding gear

Bikewagon — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 22:25:47 +0000

Have you gone outside lately? It’s getting cold! That doesn’t mean you have to put the bike away for the year, though. When it comes to clothing and gear that will keep you warm, there are plenty of options out there. Besides the obvious jackets and gloves, here are a few cycling-specific items you might want to try:

Balaclava: Excuse me? a ball of what? No, no. A balaclava is one of those cool, tight-fitting face masks that covers your nose, mouth (don’t worry, there are breathing vents), ears, neck and head. Basically the only things left open to the wind are your eyes. They are usually neoprene, or a combination of neoprene and fleece. Intense, huh. You can also get face masks that just cover the bottom half of the face.
Arm warmers: Sometimes a full undershirt is just too much. Cover your core with a couple of layers of clothing and you’ll be too hot. But without layers, your arms are left exposed to the chill. Cycling arm warmers are tight-fitting sleeves that block out the wind and cold. And if it starts to warm up mid-ride, they’re super easy to remove.
Knee warmers: It’s the same idea as the arm warmers. You want to keep your joints nice and warm, so you can pedal smoothly and avoid pain. And if it gets too hot, just take them off.
Booties: These booties aint for babies. They’re big neoprene overshoes that keep the wind and cold out of your cycling shoes. Cycling booties have holes for cleats, so you can still use your clipless pedals, and they come in various lengths when it comes to ankle coverage.

If you’re an expert in cold-weather riding, let us know your secrets and leave a comment below.

Chain lubrication

Bikewagon — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 17:18:26 +0000

I happened upon this little article in the Deseret News that explains how to lubricate your bike chain and thought it might be useful for our dear reader(s).

Have you checked out our guides lately?

Bikewagon — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 22:18:08 +0000

If you haven’t, you’re really missing out! The number is growing day by day, so go check out our guides page and see what you learn. You can also leave comments at the end of each guide, so if you feel like we need to learn a thing or two, share your knowledge.