Mechanics

Maintaining a bicycle is crucial to ensure its proper functioning and prolong its useful life. Here is a step-by-step guide to perform basic maintenance:

1. General Cleaning

Tools Needed: Rags, water, soap, brushes, degreaser.

Procedure:

Wash the bike with soap and water to remove dust and dirt.

Use a brush to clean hard-to-reach parts.

Apply degreaser to the chain and drive train parts, let sit, then rinse.

2. Tire Inspection

Tools Needed: Air pump, pressure gauge.

Procedure:

Check tires for cuts, cracks or excessive wear.

Check the tire pressure and adjust it according to the manufacturer's specifications.

3. Lubrication

Tools Needed: Bicycle lubricant.

Procedure:

Apply lubricant to the chain, gears, and any moving part (shift, derailleur, etc.).

Wipe off excess lubricant with a cloth.

4. Brakes

Tools Needed: Allen wrench, screwdriver.

Procedure:

Check the brake pads and replace them if they are worn.

Adjust the brake cables to ensure efficient braking.

Check that the brake discs (if any) are clean and free of deformation.

5. Changes

Tools Needed: Allen wrench, screwdriver.

Procedure:

Check the operation of the gears, making sure they shift smoothly.

Adjust the shift cable tension if necessary.

6. Pedals and Cranks

Tools Needed: Pedal wrench, Allen wrench.

Procedure:

Check that the pedals rotate freely and are well adjusted.

Make sure the cranks are securely attached to the bottom bracket.

7. Bearings

Tools Needed: Spanner wrench, bearing grease.

Procedure:

Check the wheel bearings, bottom bracket and steering.

Clean and regrease the bearings if necessary.

8. Verification of Screws and Nuts

Tools Needed: Allen wrench, screwdriver, wrench.

Procedure:

Make sure all screws and nuts are tight.

Pay special attention to the stem, handlebars and saddle.

9. Saddle and Handlebar

Tools Needed: Allen Wrench.

Procedure:

Adjust the height and inclination of the saddle for a comfortable posture.

Make sure the handlebar is correctly aligned and securely fastened.

10. General Inspection

Tools Needed: None specific.

Procedure:

Take a test ride to make sure everything is working correctly.

Be attentive to strange noises or any abnormal sensations.

Performing regular maintenance, ideally every month or after each ride in adverse conditions, will help keep your bike in perfect condition and allow you to enjoy a safe and comfortable ride.

I personally, following the previous instructions and with my knowledge of mechanics, have been able to carry out maintenance and repairs on my bicycle on my own, thus saving time and money that I have been able to use on other things.

In this way I keep my bicycle in good condition so that it does not have problems in the future and so I can enjoy without worries when I go out to ride and discover new paths.

Having a bike in good condition is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures the safety of the cyclist, since a well-maintained bicycle reduces the risk of mechanical failures that could cause accidents. Secondly, it improves performance and efficiency, allowing for smoother pedaling and less physical effort. In addition, regular maintenance prolongs the useful life of the bicycle, which in the long term represents financial savings. Finally, a bicycle in good condition contributes to a more pleasant and reliable driving experience, encouraging the constant and sustainable use of this ecological means of transportation.<br>