Get on your bike
One of the best ways to keep a working bike, working, is to get out there and ride your bike.
Like with a car, riding your bike regularly means that its mechanical parts keep moving and working, whereas long periods of inactivity can cause them to seize up when in use again.
Travelling to work on your bike instead of by car during a fine spell of weather, for example, will keep your bike in regular use.
Adopt a ‘little and often’ approach
Keep on top of overall bike care by checking your bike over before taking it out, and if parts like the chain or brake pads are not operating smoothly, help get things moving by applying some oil or some Hycote Chain Lube.
You should apply such lubricants to your chain and gear shift (also known as the drivetrain) on a regular basis, as this helps to keep the bike running smoothly and gives you added peace of mind that your bike is ready for action.
Pump up your tyres
Looking after your tyres is supremely important.
When cycling regularly, you should check your tyre pressure fortnightly at least. Cycling with under-inflated tyres can increase friction with the road, meaning you use more energy to keep pedalling forward – and that’s no fun.
And even when your bike hasn’t been used for a while, it’s important to keep tyres pumped up; tyres left to flatten over a period of months or years can turn brittle and crack when pumped up again, so it pays to keep them inflated, both for personal convenience and for bike health.
Replace worn brake pads
Meanwhile, brake pads can be worn down like any other part of your vehicle, so it’s important to have some spares in case you need to replace them.
Autoparts stocks Awe’s Economy Triple Contour V brake pads. Add them to your bike care kit here.
Carry ‘spare tyres’
You might not want to think about it but it can happen; you’re out on the road and after nicking loose stones, smashed glass, or some hard plant life on the roads, you pick up a most unwelcome puncture. If this happens, what you want close to hand is the spare part to fix the problem, namely an inner tube you can use to replace the deflated one.
Autoparts has the inflatable insurance policy you need, with the Cycle Self inner tube range.
These are suitable for 12- to 29-inch tyres, and fitted with either Presta or Schrader valves, which are compatible with modern bike pumps.
Of course, you will have to learn how to replace an inner tube, and carry the spare tubing with you to do the repair, but these skills can be learned. There are lots of online sources, such as Global Cycling Network’s excellent explainer video.
However, without the equipment, it’s a non-starter, so it’s better to be repair-ready.
For a fantastic range of tools, parts and accessories for bikes, cars and other modes of transport, visit Autoparts’ Products section.
