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You are here: Home >>  Taking Action >>  Cycling >>  Bike Maintenance

Bike Maintenance

Travel Plan Coordinators might have responsibility for maintaining pool bikes. They might also get asked about bike maintenance or want to advise others on a maintenance regime.

Bike maintenance is important, regardless of whether someone uses their bike for a daily commute or just every now and again for leisure purposes. Aside from getting the best out of a bike, ensuring that it’s well maintained will significantly reduce the chances of having an accident.

People don’t have to perform lengthy checks everyday but there are times when a bike will need some tender loving care. Routine tasks should be carried out either on a weekly, monthly or annual basis.

It is advisable to have an experienced mechanic check over a bike at least once a year. (Pool bikes should be checked by an expert more often.) They'll be able to carry out the more technical jobs like stripping out the hubs, headset and bottom bracket to check and renew any worn parts. However, with a little investment in tools and time, the majority of repair and maintenance jobs can be carried out on site.

Each day:

  • Everytime the bike is used it is worth giving it a quick once over, in particular the condition of the tyres and their pressure. 

Every week:

  • Lubricate exposed moving parts such as the chain and gear mechanism taking care not to get any on the wheel rims or brake blocks.
  • Clean dirt and grease off the chain with a cloth and some lubricant spray. 

Every month:

  • Make sure the wheels are properly fastened and in line with the frame.
  • Check the brake blocks for wear and ensure they contact squarely with the rim, not the tyre.
  • Replace worn or frayed brake cables and adjust bikes so that the brake levers don’t come into contact with the handlebars when braking hard.
  • Check that gears work correctly and cables move freely (though it is best to leave gear repairs to a mechanic).
  • Clean the chain with a rag soaked in degreaser then re-oil.
  • Check for looseness in the handlebar and stem and tighten where necessary.
  • Pedals should spin freely so check the pedal axles for looseness and tighten.
  • Regularly inspect the frame for any damage.
  • Ensure the seat height is correct and that the seat post bolt is tight.   

 

External organisations offering maintenance sessions across Scotland

Dr Bike is the mobile mechanical service delivered by the Bike Station.  This service is aimed at organisations, schools, community groups and event organisers who require a mechanic to come to their workplace/community/school/event and carry out basic bicycle servicing, offer cycling advice, and local knowledge of where to ride, shop for bikes, clothing etc.  Dr Bikes are used by a variety of organisations and employers to promote regular cycling and to reward cyclists. It usually tempts people to cycle in for the day just to get their bike serviced. Find out more at www.thebikestation.org.uk/perth


Other organisations such as Recyke a Bike,  a Fallin Community Enterprises initiative also offer bike servicing. Find out more at www.recyke-a-bike.co.uk

Coupar Angus Cycling Hub also offer cycle mechanic advice. Find out more at www.cacyclinghub.com

Edinburgh Bicycle  Cooperative offers bicycle maintenance courses  in their Edinburgh and Aberdeen branches.  Find out more at www.edinburghbicycle.com

 

 

 

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