Spring has sprung (at least for now) and it's time to get your bike revved up for riding season! We hit up Dan Rishworth of EnduroSport in Toronto (http://www.endurosport.com/) for his top 5 DIY (and one non-DIY) tips for getting your bike road-ready.
1) Check your tires. Make sure there are no cuts, that they are not worn down and that the sidewalls are not showing any signs of wear or cracking. Make sure tires are fully inflated before you mount up. And remember, if you've been riding your indoor trainer all winter, there's a good chance your back tire is toast - time to get your to local bike shop.
2) Degrease and lube your chain. Dirt and grime will cause your chain to wear out faster. So get out the degreaser, some paper towels and the lube. Sounds like fun to us!
3) General cleaning. This is especially important if you've been out riding this winter (or were too lazy to clean your bike up after your last muddy fall ride). Take time to give your bike a good wash to get any salt or other road grime off.
4) Get a new set of bar tape. With a bit of practice you can put this on yourself. It'll improve comfort and spruce up the look of your bike for the season ahead.
5) Ensure your bike pouch has all the necessary essentials: spare tube, glueless patches (for that inevitable second flat), tire levers, CO2 cartridge (in lieu of a hand pump) and a multi-tool.
6) Bring your bike in to your local shop for a tune-up. In addition to the items mentioned above, a bike shop tune-up should include:
- shifting adjustment (cable and housing, if necessary)
- brake cable adjustment (cable and housing, if necessary)
- wheel trueing to ensure your wheels run straight
- cleaning and lubricating your drivetrain (chain in particular)
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