But just like cars, bikes require upkeep.
Unlike cars, however, it’s possible for you to do a lot of basic bicycle maintenance yourself.
Heres how you’re able to do your own basic bike maintenance at home.
Taking proactive care of your tires will keep your bike rolling for miles to come.
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The first thing you want to do when maintaining a bike is to squeeze the tires, McFadden said.
If you havent invested in a bike pump, you should get one.
Pumps can be purchased foras little as $20at places like your local bike shop, Target and Amazon.
Youll need to find the PSI (i.e.
If not, a local bike shop can do this for you quickly and cheaply.
Bike tires will wear down over time, too.
Bikes generally have two different types of brakes: rim brakes and disc brakes.
Many newer bikes have disc brakes, but rim brakes are still quite common.
Brake pads for rim-brake bikes are indented and grooved.
Changing your brake pads can seem daunting, but its a fairly straightforward process.
This video shows youhow to replace them yourselfand ensure theyre positioned correctly and tightened properly.
All you need is anAllen wrenchandbrake pads, which you’re able to buy for around $10.
Clean the Chain
A bike chain allows riders to shift into different gears.
Keeping the chain well-lubricated is key to making it last.
But before you lube it, you oughta clean it.
So, if your bike sounds exceptionally squeaky, its likely time to investigate the chain.
Thats why its so important you ensure your bikes bolts are tightened properly.
The stem, which attaches the handlebars to the bike frame, is a crucial area to assess.
McFadden offers an easy check to test this.
If the handlebars jostle or shift, you must tighten the bolts on the stem.
Just head to your local bike shop and ask.
Keeping your bike clean means your investment will last longer.
You dont have to do a deep clean, McFadden says.
A simple wipe-down with soap and water will do.
Wash off any remaining soap or dirt with warm water, then dry the frame.
McFaddens parting words of advice: Take time to understand a bike before working on it.
verify you understand how something works before using tools on it, McFadden said.
If you cant figure out how something works, dont put tools on it.
Take it to a bike technician instead.
In that case, visit your local bike shop orbike co-op.
Kristin Jenny is a contributor to The Penny Hoarder.
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