Bicycle Maintenance
How often should I service my bicycle?
It's based on the individual, how many times to service a bicycle, and depends on the use. I'll give you an example: messengers! They service their bike every day. It's like a taxi. It's based on the individual. For a standard weekend warrior, you should check the bicycle once a week. Always check it after a ride and before a ride. Just make sure everything's tight, the gears are working, the brakes are working, the handlebars are tight - all those safety issues. Make sure everything's tight and in working order with your bicycle.
What part of my bicycle can I adjust myself?
If you've never fixed a bicycle, try to take a class from a good bike store, like Bike Attack. There you can learn how to fix your bike from an experienced mechanic. Other than that, you've got to be doing this for a long time. Technology changes. There are different bicycles and different components - they change, just like computers. Bicycle components are changing every year.
What should I look at before getting on my bicycle?
Make sure the brakes are working on the bicycle, the gears are working, the handlebars are tight, and the pedals are tight. Make sure they're not loose. The cranks - just make sure everything is really tight and working order, especially the tube. One of the most important things is that to inflate the correct air pressure on a bicycle - it makes a big difference on your performance. Every time you ride, just make sure all of those are safely adjusted.
How do I know how much to inflate my bicycle tires and how often?
Usually on bicycles - on road bikes, mountain bikes, beach cruiser bikes - it's written on the sidewalls how much PSI you should use when inflating your tires.
Where is the best place to store my bicycle?
The best place for you to store your bicycle is a safe storage area where no-one is going to harm it, or any other obstacles are going to hit it, like an extra room closet or garage. If you lack enough space, store a bicycle on top of the ceiling; make sure you have a boom - you can buy those hooks from the hardware store or Bikeattack.
How do I keep my bike from getting stolen?
Make sure you go to your nearest bicycle store and get a good lock that's safe. A new lock is what I'd use. The best equipment is a New York Lock. Also, what I'd use is a New York Forget About It chain lock - that's the best one I use. You just lock it and forget about it. That's what I'd do with my bicycle.
How much should I expect to spend on a good bike lock?
Spend between $35 to $100 on a very good lock for your bicycle.
