Last night we spent a couple hours on zoom talking with some accomplished long-distance tourers looking to expand their mechanical competence. By initial accounts it went very well.
We covered a host of topics, one of which that will be repeated here often, “clean your bike”. Cleaning your bicycle is probably the best preventative maintenance you can do. It’s an opportunity to build a relationship with your bike over time so when something changes, hopefully it will catch your eye.
Next, listen. Listen to your bicycle, it will tell you how it’s doing. A lubed chain doesn’t squeak and properly functioning brakes don’t make noise. Creaks, clicks, snaps, whirrrs, clunks, screeches, squeals, rattles, (and many more, really) can indicate a problem. Trace the sound to its origin and when it occurs, this will help in troubleshooting.
Finally, two thoughts to end on, two things that make the difference between fun and torture while riding your bicycle–lube and air. Find a lube that works for your riding conditions and apply as needed, always cleaning your chain when you lube. And air. Air up your tires at regular intervals and prevent a whole host of potential problems while simultaneously making your ride more efficient.
So that’s the big philosophical view of bike repair. Get to know your bike by cleaning, listening, and lubing chain/airing up tires. What bicycle repair/maintenance tips do you want to know about? Comment below!
Our first consulting gig – clean, listen, lube and air!
