This ensures maximum leg extension, and therefore less effort with each pedal. When seated on the bike, you should have to be on your tip-toes to touch the ground, or have to lean the bike slightly to plant your foot. When straddling your bike, you should be able to stand over the top tube without it touching you and with both feet planted on the ground. Proper fit: the key to enjoying your bike is being able to ride comfortably, and being comfortable means having a bike that fits your body. You can buy a bottle to keep for yourself for usually $5-$8. Chain oil is available for you to use for free at Free Cycles Community Bike Shop, or for a small fee at the Outdoor Program or other bike shops. Chain oil is critical to keeping your bike running smoothly, and will keep the chain from rusting, wearing out, or getting gunked up with dirt. If you ever touch your chain and your fingers don’t come away greasy, you’re not using enough chain oil. Squeeze the brakes and check when the pads hit if there’s a difference, your brakes are probably due for an adjustment.Ĭhain: The chain of your bike should be secure and somewhat taught (but not tight), and not hanging loosely. Both brakepads should also connect with the rim at the same time. Periodically look at your brake pads and make sure they’re not becoming too worn. Similarly, while squeezing the back brake lever and trying to push the bike backwards, the back wheel should not roll and the front wheel will lift off the ground. How do you fix a flat tire? See tutorial.īrakes: When you squeeze your front brake lever while standing next to your bike, you should not be able to push the bike forward - the front wheel will not roll, and the back wheel will lift off the ground.Where can you find a bike pump? See Campus Resources below.Do not overinflate the tires, as that can cause blowouts. If it is a range, pump it up within the range until the “thumb test” shows no give. Sometimes, the tire will show a range of numbers, (ex: 40-60 PSI). How do you know how much air to put in your tires? The air pressure will be printed on the sidewalls of the tire, as a number PSI (pounds per square inch).It also makes it easier to pedal, and increases the lifespan of the tires. ![]() Properly inflated tires are less likely to become flat, and protect against rim damage. ![]() ![]() If it gives at all when you press, your tires are underinflated, and need more air. When it comes to bike maintenance, the most important things to remember are your ABC’s – Air, Brakes, & Chain.Īir: To check your air pressure, loop your fingers under the wheel rim, and press down on the tire with both of your thumbs (one over the other).
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