How to Maintain Your Bike

Whether you ride your bike to commute, relax, or hit the trails, it is an important part of your life. Keeping it in good shape will not only improve its lifespan but also your riding experience. Here a few tips on maintaining a smooth ride:A woman cyclist repairs her mountain bike in a forest at dawn.

Clean it regularly

Bikes can pick up quite a bit of dirt and grime, especially mountain biking. That grime can muck up the works of your drivetrain, hindering responsiveness and potentially causing damage. Giving your bike a good scrub on a regular basis can prevent problems in the future. Simple Green is a great choice because it gently removes dirt from the mechanics of your bike. Just use a little bit of water and wipe it down when finished.

Oil it

If you clean your bike, you also need to oil it. Oiling the chain, gears, cables and derailleurs not only helps the bike run smoother, but also protects the moving parts of the drivetrain and keeps them working longer. Just apply an even layer of oil while rotating your tires, and don’t forget to wipe off any excess with a dry rag.

Replace your chain

The chain on a bicycle takes quite a beating and is usually the first part on a bicycle to wear out. The danger is that the chain also interacts with your gears and derailleurs, which means they can be damaged by a rusted or compromised chain. Replacing a chain isn’t too expensive, anywhere from 20-50 dollars, and is a good way to make sure your bike is in tip top shape.

Powder coat your bike

Bikes are often parked outside at the mercy of the elements. Or they are expected to go through tough trails over and over again. This can take a toll on the aesthetic beauty of your bicycle and depreciate its value. One of the most efficient ways to protect–and stylize–your ride is to give it a solid powder coat. Powder coat, which is used to protect industrial equipment, will protect the frame of your bicycle against pretty much anything you can throw at it and will give it a personalized touch. Contact us at Full Blown Coatings to see how we can help you maintain your bicycle for years to come.