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Spring Tune Up Tips
If you don't ride in the winter, you've probably spent the
winter months on the couch eating chips and watching television.
Before you know it, spring will be here and a new season of
mountain biking will begin. Even though your body may not be in
shape, these tips will ensure that your bike is.
Before you take your bike out, check the wear and tear on your
components and adjust them if its necessary. Start off with your
chain. If you haven't replaced it in a year or more, it's time
to do so. Over time, the individual parts in the chain will get
worn out, increasing its effective length.
As this happens, the chain is no longer able to conform to the
cog and the teeth of the chain ring, so it wears those teeth out
to fit the profile of the chain. If you can replace the chain
before it stretches too much you'll save yourself from having to
replace high priced cogs and chain rings.
Now, check the bearing surfaces. These include your bottom
bracket, hubs, and the headset. Each of these should turn
without a problem with no play in the system. Before checking
the bottom bracket, make sure each cranking arm is tightened
snugly. Next, hold on to the crank arm (not the pedal) and
wobble it back and forth. If you hear any clicking or if the
crank arm binds, the bottom bracket needs to be adjusted.
Do the exact same thing with your hubs. Take the wheels off the
bike, spin the hub axles, then feel for any free play or
binding. If you feel play or binding, you need to make an
adjustment. To check the headset, start off by putting the newly
adjusted wheels back on the bike.
Now, grab the front brake and pull and push the handle bars back
and forth. There shouldn't be any play. If you lift the front
end off the ground, the fork should turn very smoothly. If it
feels rough, it needs to be either adjusted or replaced.
While your looking, check the condition of your cables and
housing. The cables should be rust free and the housing
shouldn't be cracked or kinked. If you see any of this you
should replace the offending device, as if you don't your
shifting and braking will be sluggish.
Last, you should inspect your brake pads. Most pads will have
ridges or indicator marks that will let you know when they need
to be replaced. Brake pads that are worn out will compromise
both safety and braking efficiency.
Once you've got the tune ups out of the way, it's time to go for
a ride. With your mountain bike running better than ever, all
you have to do now is have fun!