Basic Bike Maintenance

It is important to keep your bike clean as well as undertake regular maintenance checks. Regular maintenance will be more effective and less time consuming in the long run.
 
Every time you take your bike out, it's best to carry out a simple pre-ride check. A good way of doing this is the ‘M’ check which ensures you don’t miss anything: start with the front hub and wheel, up to the handlebars, down to the bottom bracket, back up to the saddle and end at the back wheel, looking out for potential trouble-spots in between.
 
Things to look out for:
  • Check that the wheels spin straight - if it wobbles it may need truing - if you have quick releases check that these are tight. Also check for missing or broken spokes

  • Check that tyres are pumped up to the correct pressure and that they are not bulging or bald. Pumped up tyres take less energy to ride on as they give less drag and wear out more slowly. Check you manual or tyres for recommended pressure.

  • Check your brakes - the key to cycling is being able to stop when you want. Pads have a wear line, if the rubber's gone then there's nothing left to stop you.

  • Look at your frame - bikes with cracked frames should not be ridden

  • Check that your chain is clean and lubricated. Also grease your handlebar stem and seat post - be sure not to set them higher than the safety marks and ensure they're tightened up. Avoid jet washes - they blast the grease out of the nooks & crannies and can make the bike seize up.

  • Spin the pedals and check their condition

  • Cap the end of your bars - use bar plugs, reuse corks or fill with mud. Unplugged bars can cut you in an accident and it can be nasty.
 

Local Repairs and Maintenance

pedal power maintenanceFREE Maintenance Training Courses
These are offered at a range of levels.  For full details go to our training page or call Pedal Power on 01524 65328.

Saturday Cycle Surgery at Pedal Power
Minor repairs done FREE by a qualified mechanic (minimal charge for parts only). The Saturday surgeries are drop in services, on a first come first served basis at either. The repair is priced up and customers can observe or collect later that day.  We carry out smaller repairs, if anyone wants anything specialized this can be booked in beforehand so we can source parts and bring them to each site. 

Payments are in cash upon collection and agreed before work commences.  We advise repairs on all safety issues, cosmetic repairs are at the choice of the customer.  Unfortunately, we cannot take bikes in for repair beforehand or have collections the day after as sites are open for different activities. 
  • First Saturday of the month (Ridge Square, Lancaster) 10am - 4:30pm
  • Second Saturday of the month (Alice Street, Morecambe) 10am - 4:30pm
Call 01524 65328 for details or email pedalpower@FurnitureMatters.org.uk
 
Other Maintenance
 
Colin Stones - Local Mobile Cycle Repairs - Call 0790 878 2027 - www.bikerepairslancaster.co.uk/
 
Cycle Shops - Most local cycle shops carry out a range of repairs - See list of local cycle shops here

 

More Information