It's a common sight: that brilliant idea you had of whizzing around the island on two wheels with the wind in your face, is now slumped in a damp corner of your garden shed, looking a little worse for wear.
Bikes - just like us - need regular TLC to function at their best.
Caring for your bike, day-to-day, doesn't need a whole lot of mechanical expertise (but if you'd like to learn more, check our workshops:). Here are some simple checks you can perform to maintain your bike effectively.
1. Give your tyres a squeeze!
If you can push down hard on your tyres and they squish easily like an overripe tomato, you've got a problem. Low pressure is the number one cause of a miserable cycling experience. It makes pedalling feel like wading through treacle, wears your tyres - and can lead to punctures!
The Simple Fix: Invest a fiver in a decent floor pump (the tall ones). Check the side of your tyre for a number followed by 'PSI' (Pounds per Square Inch)—that's your target pressure. Pump them up firm! You'll be amazed at how much easier your bike ride will be.
2. Check your brakes before every ride
Before you even swing your leg over, give your brakes a quick check. This is your most vital safety check!
Stand next to your bike and squeeze both brake levers. If they stop the wheel immediately, that's a good sign. However, if you have to pull the lever all the way to the handlebar grip, the cables might need tightening.
Simple Fix: Tightening the brake cables
- Locate the Adjuster: Find the small, knurled (textured) knob where the brake cable casing meets the brake lever on your handlebars. This is the barrel adjuster.
- Turn to Tighten: Turn the barrel adjuster anti-clockwise (outwards) one or two full turns. This action slightly pulls the inner cable, making the brake tighter.
- Test the Pull: Squeeze the brake lever again. If it feels firm and the wheel stops quickly without the lever hitting the handlebar, you're done!
- Final Check: Always check that the wheel spins freely once you release the lever. If it rubs, turn the adjuster back in a half-turn.
If this still doesn't fix it, or if the rubber brake pads look worn down, chipped, or are touching the rim unevenly, it might be time to bring it into the Positive Pedals workshop.
3. Lube that chain!
Does your bike sound like an angry pterodactyl when you pedal? That horrible grinding or squeaking is your chain crying out for some oil. This doesn't just make for a miserable ride, but a dry chain will also wear out far more quickly.
The Simple Fix: Buy a small bottle of bike-specific chain oil (not WD-40, which is a degreaser). Apply a small drop of lube to the top of the chain links while slowly turning the pedals backwards. Wait a minute, then wipe off all the excess with an old rag. You want the lube inside the chain, not stuck to the outside attracting muck.
4. The quick post-ride wipe-down
Cycling around Bute often means mud, rain, or seaside spray. Leaving that muck on your bike is a recipe for rust.
The Simple Fix: After any wet or muddy ride, just give the frame and chain a quick wipe-down with an old towel or rag before putting it away. You don't need fancy cleaning solutions—just taking off the worst of the grit will drastically extend the life of your metal bits and save the paint's colour.
5. Don't Leave Your Bike Out!
It seems obvious, perhaps, but if your bike is left outside 24/7 or sits in a damp, leaky shed, it's essentially disintegrating with every downpour. Your bike is metal, after all:)
The Simple Fix: If you absolutely must store it outside, get a cheap, waterproof bike cover or waterproof store. If it’s in a shed, make sure the shed is as dry as possible. A little effort here means your bike will be good to ride (after your checks!) when the sun comes out, instead of whinging and squeaking with every pedal push.
A little TLC goes a 'wheely' long way:)
Taking just five minutes to do these checks can give you years more of happy cycling adventures.
However, if you do find a bigger problem or simply don’t have the time or confidence to work on your bike, bring it to us! We're always pleased to put a new set of hands to work and put a great bike back on the road:)