As the evenings get lighter and the weekends feel warmer, it’s the perfect time to grab your bike from the garage and enjoy the great outdoors.
We’ve pulled together a handy checklist to help your bike stay in tip-top order all year round, so when the sun rears its head, you can be ready to ride at the drop of a hat!
Maintain regular cleaning
No matter where you ride, avoiding muck is almost impossible, however, performing regular cleaning will prevent grime from building up over time.
To clean your bike, use a mild detergent, lukewarm water, and a soft cloth on the frame. For wheels, chains, and other fiddly bits, we suggest using a small soft-bristle brush to avoid injuring your fingers on mechanical parts. Lastly, rinse thoroughly, making sure no soap remains. Pat the bike dry with a clean towel, and leave it to fully air-dry to avoid your frame or metal components developing rust. We recommend using our 8-piece Halfords Cleaning Kit, which comes complete with a bucket for both washing and storage.
After you’ve given your bike a bubble bath, and before putting it away, inspect the frame for any cracks, dents, or other damage. Pay close attention to welds, joints, and stress points that may have been hiding under a thick layer of dirt.
Lubricate moving parts
Keep everything running smoothly by regularly applying lubricant to your chain, derailleurs, and other moving parts. A good standard option is the Halfords Cycle Oil or try the popular Muc-Off Wet Lube for a silky, seamless finish.
By keeping things friction-free, you can avoid wear and tear and reduce the risk of needing to replace new parts. Once you’ve greased your bike up, wipe off any excess liquid to prevent attracting dirt and grime.
Check your tyre pressure
Checking your tyre pressure before setting out on a ride can help avoid disappointment – and potentially a long walk home!
Use a tyre pressure gauge to ensure tyres are inflated to the recommended PSI for your specific tyres. You can find the correct PSI by checking the number on the sidewall of the tyre. To measure your tyre pressure, we recommend using a bike pump such as the Halfords Advanced High Pressure High Volume Pump that will read your tyres current PSI as well as allowing you to accurately reinflate them.
If your tyres are frequently losing pressure, this could be a sign of something more sinister! You should inspect them for cuts, bulges, or excessive wear and replace them if necessary.
Store your bike somewhere safe
It’s important to store your bike somewhere safe, dry, and away from the elements to avoid damage or deterioration to your frame. Ideally, your bike should be securely locked in a garage. If this isn’t an option, we’ve got plenty of other products you can store your bike in to keep it safe. If you’re planning to store your bike outside, the Halfords All Weather Waterproof Single Bike Cover will protect your bike from downpours. However, if you’re looking for something more permanent, the TigerFlex Shiplap Apex Bike Shed is a sturdy solution if you’ve got a bit more outdoor space.
Carry out inspections
Avoid losing little bike parts while you’re riding carefree through the countryside by regularly tightening bolts and fasteners on your bike. The main parts to check are your handlebars, stem, seat post, and crank set. You should also carry out inspections on larger components to ensure safe travelling too.
Brakes
Brakes are arguably the most important safety feature on your bike. You want to make sure your brakes are performing their best, especially if you’re riding in a built-up or hilly area. Check your brake pads for wear and tear, making sure to replace them If they’re excessively worn down.
You’ll also want to check nothing is obstructing your brakes, such as cables, and tie anything that’s hanging free out of the way using ties or tape.
Chain and Drivetrain
Your bike chain takes a beating over time, use a chain checker tool, like the Halfords Chain Wear Checker to monitor your chain wear and replace it before it wears out excessively or breaks. Check the cassette and chainrings too and replace them if the teeth are worn down or damaged.
Plus, ensure smooth gear shifting by checking cable tension and adjusting the derailleurs if necessary.
Wheels
Check wheel trueness by lifting your bike and giving your wheel a spin, you may need an extra pair of hands for this – so rope in a friend or neighbour before you start!
If you find your bike is suffering from wobbly wheels, then adjust your spokes to correct this to keep your bike on the right track. You should also inspect wheel hubs for smoothness and play, if you find friction in your wheels, you may need to replace your wheel bearings as they can wear down over time.
Halfords Free Bike Health Check
Even after you’ve given your bike the full TLC treatment, it’s still a smart idea to have it checked and tested by professionals, especially if you’re planning a long bike ride or regularly commuting.
Here at Halfords, everyone can book a free 25-point bike check to ensure their bike is in perfect working order for extra peace of mind.