Maintenance and Repair

Since Murphy’s Law still remains in force (and capriciously enforced, as usual), a beginning or returning bicyclist will need to learn how to perform some simple on-the-road repairs. These are not very difficult or elaborate, but rather are intended to be able to get the cyclist home, or to the nearest bike repair shop.

Roadside repairs may include:

• Fixing a flat tire, by patching or replacing the inner tube
• Adjusting the brakes, front and rear
• Adjusting misaligned derailleurs, front and rear
• Reconnecting a broken or parted chain
• Fixing a broken derailleur shift cable
• Compensating for a broken spoke

Some sponsored rides may have repair vans and "sag wagons", but these are intended primarily for cyclists with injuries or serious mechanical breakdowns. Also, accompanying cyclists may have tools and skills in fixing problems, but they may not always be available. It is an immense favor to oneself, to learn how to perform simple repairs, and thus avoid getting stranded away from help, as well as to continue to enjoy the ride.

There are also some other simple maintenance tasks, which are a good idea to learn, if only to keep costs down, and which should be within the abilities of anyone able to use hand tools. These include:

• Replacing and aligning brake shoes
• Replacing brake and derailleur cables
• Cleaning and lubricating the chain and derailleurs
• Adjusting spoke nipples and spoke tension
• Adjusting the seat and handlebars
• Cleaning off mud, dust, rainwater
• Cleaning the saddle
• Wrapping handlebars

For beginning bicyclists, some maintenance tasks are so complex or difficult that they are best left in the hands of a repair shop, or advanced riders who are knowledgeable and experienced in bicycle repair. Bear in mind, though, that these are regular maintenance items. Among these tasks are:

• Overhaul and adjust hub bearings
• Overhaul and adjust pedals
• Overhaul and adjust headset (fork and handlebars) bearings
• Overhaul and adjust bottom (crank and chainring) bearings
• Overhaul and adjust front, rear derailleurs
• Overhaul and adjust freewheel and (rear) sprocket cluster
• Adjust and true wheels

The most advantageous time to have the bicycle overhauled, tuned, and cleaned, is during the early months of the year, January and February, or March at the latest, so as to avoid the spring rush on the bike shops, and to avoid missing out on quality "saddle time", when the weather is appropriate for it (depending on your personal hardiness and point of view). Take care of your bike, and it will take care of you.