Cycling is one of the best activities. It provides an adrenaline rush when clubbed together with walking and jogging. After COVID-19, cycling has blossomed in a new way. Mostly because individuals understand the importance of exploring the outdoors. Cycling has evolved since the beginning.
We have a variety of cycles available, each suitable for a different riding style. We have road bikes that are perfect for paved roads, hybrid bikes that offer the rider the choice of both off-road and rugged trails, mountain bikes that are just for adventure riding, fat or big tyre cycles for different terrains and e-bikes which are very futuristic and run on batteries and motors. This variety allows the rider to choose his own personal style and explore relevant routes.
While cycling itself is straightforward, ensuring their upkeep is equally crucial. While it’s convenient to rely on mechanics for cycle maintenance, there’s also the option to develop a deeper connection with our bikes by repairing them at home.
Here, we present a handful of tips and simple cycle repair solutions that can be easily tackled within the comfort of your own home; let’s delve into them:
● The chain is experiencing difficulty shifting smoothly or accurately and reattaching a slipped chain:
Frequently, our cycle chains encounter issues moving smoothly, often due to accumulated dirt and grime. Resolving this problem is straightforward: using a dishwasher and a microfiber towel, we can delicately cleanse the chain with soapy water, eliminating any accumulated dirt, grease, or grime. Following this, it’s essential to lubricate the chain, as a well-lubricated chain contributes to smoother rides. Occasionally, our chains slip off, causing frustration.
As part of our home bicycle repair tip, reattaching a chain is relatively simple. We place the chain in the lower part or groove of the rear cogset and then position it onto the front part of the crank. Gradually rotating the pedal forward, we’ll notice the chain reattaching itself to the cogset. While this may require a few attempts for beginners, it becomes easier with practice.
● Ensuring the correct air pressure in tyres:
Each bicycle should maintain the correct air pressure to guarantee a comfortable journey. Inadequate pressure can result in discomfort, requiring more effort while riding. Conversely, excessive pressure brings its own set of challenges. Acquire an air pump and ascertain the appropriate PSI range for the tyre; inflate the tube to the lower figure.
However, if you have a heavier weight, consider increasing the PSI to the upper range deemed suitable for the tyre. While inflating the tyre, ensure it remains free from sharp objects, such as glass or gravel; neglecting this precaution can result in a flat tyre.
● Cleaning the cycle:
Maintaining our bicycles through regular cleaning is essential and highly recommended by top cycle brands. Consistent cleaning ensures our bicycles remain in optimal condition and gives us insights into their overall health. Gather some clean sponges, a microfiber cloth, mild detergent or dishwasher soap, lubricant, degreaser, a bucket, and clean water to clean your bicycle effectively.
It’s advisable to clean your bicycle at least once a month, although this may vary depending on your usage patterns. If you frequently ride in adverse weather conditions like rain or snow, you may need to clean your bicycle more regularly to remove accumulated grime. Conversely, a monthly cleaning routine should suffice if your cycling activity is sporadic.
Winding Up
We trust that the suggestions provided above will assist you in fixing your bicycle. Although acquiring repair skills demands some effort, it’s crucial not to procrastinate when familiarising ourselves with our cherished bicycles.
