Here are 7 easy steps that will help you maintain your bike, improve performance and keep it in good condition. Whether you are a bike enthusiast and ride your bicycle all year round, or somebody who only uses the bike in warm seasons, you need to know how to maintain and how to tune up your bike. It isn’t a hard thing to do, but you can always choose to have a bike shop do the tuning.

So take a look at the 7 steps you need to follow in order to have a tuned up bike:

• Clean your bike

What you need to be aware of is that a clean bicycle extends the life of all its components. So, make sure that your bike is properly cleaned at all times.

• Inspect your brake system

Brakes are vital bike parts as they provide control over the speed. So, always check the brake pads, the rectangular rubberized component that actually rubs against the metal tire rim. Bicycle brakes wear down over time and need to be replaced, so make sure to replace the pads if they show excessive wear. A poor braking system could lead to loss of control while riding, which could lead to accidents and serious injury.

• Watch your wheels

Wheels (Rims) hold your tires in place and provide stability and smoothness while riding the bicycle. Clean the wheels on regular bases with rubbing alcohol and a clean, dry cloth. Know that damaged rims cause uneven wear to tires and brake pads, which can shorten their lifespan.

• Inspect the drivetrain

A bike’s drivetrain includes the pedals, chain, chain ring, derailleurs and rear wheel cassette. You may need a partner or bike stand to assist with this part of the tune-up. An important thing to know is that small chain rings wear out sooner than large chain rings and also, chains are the most frequently replaced component of the drivetrain.

• Check the tires

Tires fit around the wheels (rims) and their role is to protect them and improve their function. Always check your tires for splits, cracks or tears, especially along the sides. Check the tread as well, for uneven or excessive wear. Be aware that damaged tires are prone to burst, and there’s the risk of causing a sudden loss of control over your bike.

• Check the cables

Another important thing to know about, is that cables connect the shifters and brakes on the handlebars to the derailleur and brake pads. You must inspect the cable and surrounding rubber housing for cracks, crimps, rust, dirt and looseness. Change the old cables with new ones when needed as new cables make shifting and braking smooth, which leads to an increased bike performance.

• Add lubricant

Oil lubricant coats the chain and other components of the drivetrain, helping them last longer and work more efficiently. Apply lubricant evenly to the chain and don’t forget to lube moving parts as well on the derailleur, the pivot point on the brake levers and any exposed cable wire.

As most of the time it is way too difficult to remove rust from certain old bike parts, it would be much easier if they were replaced with new ones.

Check out www.bikepartsusa.com to find the best bike parts you are interested in and need!

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