| For those of us who put our bikes away for the | | | | Check the pads: is there plenty of rubber; do the |
| winter, the time has come to dust them off and get | | | | pads hit the rims evenly? If using fluid-actuated disc |
| ready to ride. When bringing a bike out of storage, a | | | | brakes, check the brake fluid level in the reservoir. |
| mini tune-up is necessary. Pay special attention to the | | | | ~~Wheels~~ |
| following four areas: chain, derailleur components, | | | | Spin the wheel slowly checking for true. The wheel |
| brakes, and wheels. | | | | should not wobble at all. If it wobbles a little bit and |
| ~~Chain~~ | | | | you have the tools and skill, you can make minor |
| If you have been using an oil-based lubricant, consider | | | | adjustments using a spoke wrench. But if there is |
| switching to a wax-based product. The only | | | | substantial wobbling, take the wheel to a shop and |
| advantage to an oil-based lubricant is that it needs to | | | | have a professional true the wheel. |
| be applied less frequently, but in every other way, | | | | Check tire pressure, which is bound to be low after a |
| wax-based is superior. For instance, oil collects trail | | | | winter of storage. Inflate to the manufacturers |
| dust and other things abrasive to the chain, whereas | | | | recommendations that are stamped on the tire. |
| wax sheds abrasives. A recommended wax-based | | | | Now give the bike a once-over. Is the seat |
| lube is White Lightning. | | | | adjustment still a good fit? Is there excess play or |
| If you've been using oil-based chain lube, whether | | | | tightness in the bearings of the wheels, crank, pedals, |
| you want to switch to wax or not, you should | | | | and headset? Also, for full-suspension bikes, check |
| remove the chain and clean it with a solvent to | | | | the suspension joints. |
| degrease it before adding fresh lubricant. Depending | | | | From this once-over, you will be able to determine |
| on your typical riding conditions, using a solvent to | | | | whether it is time for a major tune-up. This could |
| degrease the chain needs to be done once a year at | | | | range from a few adjustments to cleaning and/or |
| a minimum. | | | | replacement of some parts. Opinions differ on how |
| ~~Derailleur Components~~ | | | | often a major tune-up is needed. It depends on how |
| Lubricate the pivot points using a good | | | | much you ride, and how much maintenance you |
| petroleum-based lube. I use Tri-Flow. Next, lubricate | | | | perform yourself. |
| and adjust the derailleur cables, which might have | | | | Whether you do the major tune-up yourself or take |
| stretched over the winter. Adjust so that shifting is | | | | the bike to a reputable bicycle shop, every now and |
| crisp. | | | | then the following maintenance is necessary for |
| ~~Brakes~~ | | | | optimal performance and safety: repacking bearings |
| Again, lubricate the cables. Use either petroleum- or | | | | and adjusting wheel axles, headset, crankset and |
| wax-based lube depending on how dusty the | | | | pedals; replacing cables; truing the wheels; making |
| expected typical riding conditions will be. Adjust the | | | | overall adjustments, such as to the derailleur and |
| cables, which might also have stretched over the | | | | brakes. |
| winter. | | | | |