Wrenching Resolutions
Posted by Ashley on Jan 25, 2012 | Bike Maintenance
As seen in this month's Bicycling Magazine. See the online article here.
1. Avoid Overdoing it
Overinflated tires are as much to blame for pinch flats as underinflated ones. Know your psi. An overtightened bolt can cause small parts to break under pressure and bigger ones to form stress risers. Get a torque wrench. Overlubing gunks up your drivetrain and attracts dirt and dust. Wipe off excess with a clean, dry rag.
2. Work on your bike in this order
Wash, rinse, dry, lube, adjust, wax. "You can't properly adjust a bicycle that is dirty and not lubricated," says Karl Frisch, chief mechanic for Team Tibco/To The Top.
3. Watch for signs of Wear
4. Make this easy upgrade
Treat your bar to new tape for a better grip and a showroom look. Tip: If your hands roll to the outside in the drops, wrap in that direction (that's clockwise on the right, counterclockwise on the left). Always wrap the flat section toward the saddle.
5. Avoid checking bolts before every ride
Every time you do, you tighten them slightly. By year's end you could end up turning a bolt one full rotation. Torque them right the first time.
6. Get down to the nitty-gritty
Like gravel on a skinned knee, grit will infect your bike. Here's where it hides: in brake pads, between tubes and tires, in cleats and pedals.