Simple Ways to Keep Your Bike (and Your Bank Account) Happy!
I love seeing all your lovely bikes roll into the workshop – it’s genuinely great to get them humming along perfectly again. But you know what else I love? Helping you save a few quid!
Yep, you heard that right. While I'm always here for the big fixes, the tricky bits, and the "oh-dear-what-have-I-done" moments, there are some straightforward things you can do yourself to keep your bike in good shape and, crucially, keep those repair bills happily on the smaller side. Think of it as preventative care for your bicycle!
So, grab a cuppa, and let's dive into some easy bike maintenance tips that most of us can manage.
1. The Mighty Chain: Your Bike's Hardest Worker
Let's be honest, how many of us only remember our chain exists when it starts sounding like a dying robot or, even worse, when it develops a rather alarming shade of rusty orange? It happens!
Your chain is the unsung hero of your drivetrain, constantly working its little metal socks off. But it needs some attention! Lubing your chain regularly (and by regularly, I mean more often than your annual spring clean!) is probably the single best thing you can do. A well-lubed chain runs smoother, shifts better, and most importantly, lasts way longer. A dry, gritty chain wears out ridiculously fast, taking your expensive cassette and chainrings with it. And trust me, replacing those bits adds up!
So, get yourself some chain lube (we sell it here, naturally!), apply a thin line to the top of the chain as you backpedal, let it sit for a minute, then wipe off the excess. Simple! Happy chain, happy wallet.
Chains shouldn't be able to levitate!
2. Nuts, Bolts, and the "Is That Supposed To Be Loose?" Feeling
Ever hopped on your bike and felt a slight wobble where there shouldn't be one? Or maybe heard a mysterious creak that vanishes and reappears? Sometimes, it's just a loose bolt!
It’s a good habit to give your bike a quick once-over now and then. Gently check the tightness of things like your wheel quick releases, handlebar stem bolts (just snug, not overtightened!), seat post clamp, and even your bottle cage bolts. Don't go crazy with the wrench – just a gentle check to ensure nothing's rattling loose.
And while you're at it, cast an eye over things to make sure nothing looks seized. If a bolt looks like it's rusted solid to its surroundings, don't force it! That's when you risk snapping something, turning a simple check into a bigger job. If in doubt, bring it in, and we'll take a look.
A common issue lately. This screw seizes easily and is so soft it gets easily chewed up. So keep an eye on it.
3. The Wash Your Bike Deserves (More Than Once a Year!)
Okay, so maybe a full spa day is a bit much, but cleaning your bike is genuinely important. And no, splashing it with a hosepipe once a year doesn't count as a deep clean!
Grime, mud, road salt (especially in Belfast!), and general muck are abrasive. They get into your gears, bearings, and all the moving parts, acting like sandpaper. A regular wash (a bucket of soapy water, a soft brush, and an old sponge work wonders) removes this nastiness, extending the life of your components significantly.
It also gives you a chance to spot any small issues before they become big, expensive ones. A tiny crack in the frame? A fraying gear cable? A worn brake pad? Much easier to sort when you can actually see it!
One of the more unusual tools lately. If you use cork for bar plugs, this is how I remove it!
4. Drivetrain Deep Dive: Is It Time for New Teeth?
Beyond just lubing your chain, it's worth keeping an eye on the rest of your drivetrain – that's your chainrings (the big cogs at the front), your cassette (the cogs at the back), and of course, the chain itself. These all wear out together, and if you let one component get too worn, it'll rapidly wear out the others when you eventually replace it.
The easiest way to check for chain wear is with a chain wear indicator tool (they're inexpensive and worth it!). If your chain is stretched, it's time for a new one. When checking your chainrings and cassette, look for "shark tooth" profiles on the cogs – if the teeth look sharp and pointed like a shark's fin rather than broad and flat, they're probably worn out. If you replace your chain regularly, you'll extend the life of your cassette and chainrings significantly. Trust me, replacing a full drivetrain is a much bigger bill than just a chain!
If your chain is riding up on the cogs like this, your whole drivetrain is most likely done!
The Takeaway
Look, we’re not trying to put ourselves out of business here! But genuinely, a little bit of regular, straightforward maintenance goes a very long way in keeping your bike running sweetly and your hard-earned cash in your pocket. It's like brushing your teeth – small effort, big payoff!
Of course, for anything beyond these quick checks, or if you just prefer to leave the greasy bits to the professionals, Bike Spanner is always here to help. But give these tips a whirl, and you might just find your bike needing fewer trips to the workshop.
Happy riding, and keep those chains gleaming!
David @ Bike Spanner