Spring Tuneup Checklist
Before you hit the road on your bike this summer, run through the following maintenance items to make sure your machine is humming smoothly. It makes for both a better ride and longer lasting components.
Inspect Your Frame For Cracks
Cracks usually occur near welded areas, or where the frame is butted. The most common spot is the underside of the down tube, just below the head tube. On carbon frames, it can be difficult to tell if you’re looking at a scratch in the clearcoat or a crack in the frame. If your fingernail can catch on the blemish, it might be a crack; take your bike to the shop.
Remove And Lube Your Seat post
Mark the height of your seat post with tape or a pencil, remove it, wipe it clean and, if it’s steel or aluminum, smear a light layer of grease over the section that goes inside the frame. For carbon, apply a layer of Tacx Dynamic Assembly Paste or Scott Carbon Grease.
Check That Wheels Are Clean And True
Dirty rims interfere with stopping power, so first clean the rims with a slightly abrasive pad. Then, check to see if your wheels are wobbling. On warped wheels, the ride is rougher, you have less control, and you could end up on the ground if the wheel folds or a spoke breaks. Also, deflate tires to half pressure and check tires for cuts or wear, and replace if necessary.
Adjust Or Replace Your Brakes
Glazed brake shoes cause weak braking and impolite squeals. Use sandpaper to buff off the glaze and roughen the pads. Also pick out dirt or pieces of metal that have become imbedded in the pad. If the pad has hardened and you can’t scratch it with a fingernail, or if it’s worn past the indicator line, replace it.
Check cleats for wear
Worn-out cleats can be dangerous, with less predictable entry and release. Some manufacturers have wear indicators on their cleats. For other brands, watch for gouges and scratches at the engagement points at the front and rear of the cleat. If you have to tighten the tension of your pedals for them to hold your cleats in place, replace the cleats.
Clean Or Replace Your Chain
Place the edge of a 12-inch ruler over the pin of one link. The 12-inch hash mark should sit over another pin. If it doesn’t, the chain is worn; replace it. If the chain is fine, clean and lube your chain as described here.
Inspect Helmet For Damage
When you replace your helmet depends how much you used it, how roughly you transported it and how much it was exposed to sun and heat. Fading color, delamination, frayed straps and distorted internal foam indicate it's time for replacement. If it's cracked at all, absolutely replace it. One rule: Always replace your helmet after a crash.
(Excerpted from www.Bicycling.com)


© 2010 - 2012 Bob Beach