Bicycle Mechanics

A big part of any cycle mechanic’s job is maintenance. As any serious bike rider or cyclist knows, maintenance is the best way to prevent serious damage to your beloved bicycle – whether it’s a road bike, a mountain bike, or a cycling bike. Just as humans need to eat healthy food and take care of themselves, bikes need to be kept clean and in good condition in order to remain reliable and usable pieces of equipment.

The first thing any bike user should check for when undertaking minor maintenance is the state of the bike itself. If it is grimy, slimy or dirty, give it a good clean. With a bucket of warm water and a scrubbing brush, give the bike a quick once over (including the wheels!). With a soft cloth, wipe down the spokes and any gadgetry on the handlebars. Next, take a look at the bike chain and the nuts and bolts connecting the wheels to the main frame. In order to run smoothly it is important that these vital parts are kept well lubricated – oil or WD40 should do the trick. It might be worth checking that everything that can be tightened is tightened. Another thing to look at is the brakes – make sure the pads are clean and are not worn down. If they are dirty or offer no resistance they will need to be cleaned or replaced outright. Finally, make sure the pedals turn freely without wobble or resistance, and that your seat and handlebars feel sturdy and firm. The last thing you want is to have your steering or motion fail or to fall from your bike if your seat breaks!