Pro Cycle Works - Bicycle Maintenance Tips
Sure, training is important, but do you know what really makes you fast on the road or trail?
Easy . . . a professionally maintained bike is key to being FAST. The best way to keep your
bike in top condition is to have it regularly maintained by a pro mechanic . . . like Erik Vitela at Pro Cycle Works.
Of course we encourage do-it-yourself wrenching (it is your bike after all), especially
for the everyday stuff that can interupt an otherwise perfect ride. Really, regardless of
what you may read in Bicycling Magazine, riding for an hour standing up because you over-torqued
your seatpost bolt isn't much fun.
So to help out, we're sharing a brief list of bicycle maintenance tips to help you take
care of some of the more basic elements of bike maintenance. Preventative care can often save
you time and money - and help you avoid common mechanical problems.
Torque wrench or broken bolts (and bikes)?
Bicycles - especially the kind you ride - aren't basic "transportation machines" anymore.
Factory-built bikes, custom framebuilders, and component makers use advanced, lightweight
metals and carbon fiber to give bikes bling and riders a competitive edge.
The advances in materials and building methods has made it more important than ever to correctly
build and maintain your bike. Overtightening bolts is easier than you think (even if you have
typical "T-Rex" cyclist's arms ;-).
Nearly all high-end (and lower-end) cycling components have manufacturer-specified torque ratings,
indicating just how tight to turn that bolt. Pro Cycle Works highly recommends - and always uses -
a professional-quality torque wrench to correctly tighten the bolts on our clients' bikes.
Be smart. Use a torque wrench and use it correctly. Because breaking an over-tightened stem bolt while descending just isn't much fun.
Keeping it clean . . . wash and inspect your bike!
It used to be the standard group ride joke. Everyone would roll-up to the early-ride meeting spot and see the skies turn a little dark.
The old timers would always ask, "Ok, who washed their bike?" Back when steel was real (and really the only thing around), bike stuff
was built to last, not built to be light weight and short lived. Back then, you could get away with a dirty bike.
Not any more. All of the weight weenie stuff is designed to be light and fast . . . and sometimes not that durable.
Taking the time to wash your bicycle regularly allows for a close visual inspection of the frame, wheels and all of the components.
With regular cleaning and careful inspection, you may prevent a problem that could occur . . . like missing that little crack near the
head tube of your super-duper light weight carbon frame, the crack that will soon be a big crack (or make a big CRACKing sound when you
jump the tracks).
Frames and components endure a lot of abuse. While it is normal to have regular wear and tear, be aware of product life span and
of the potential for product fatigue or failure. Catastrophic failures can occur (and not just at the finish line of your local
Cat 4 criterium) if your bicycle is not maintained or inspected regularly.
So wash and inspect your bike regularly. Oftentimes, regular hand washing with biodegradable soap (no harsh degreasers or
carbon-eating solvents) will keep your bicycle squeaky clean and give you the best opportunity to spot potential problems.
Going green at your local bike shop
Like you, we like riding our bikes outside. Of course we recommend being courteous to drivers (they're much, much bigger than you),
wearing your helmet, and being friendly to other cyclists (a wave and "howdy works well), but we all can do just a little more.
To help keep our favorite planet - with all of these great places to ride - in tip-top shape, we make every
effort to be environmentally conscious. Pro Cycle Works uses and reuses environmentally friendly products whenever possible
- we're big fans of Pedros - including biodegradable degreasers and chain lube
as one way we attempt to reduce our carbon "footprint." We also recycle bicycle and component packaging (come see us if you
need boxes) as another way to keep things a little more green.
So take care of our little planet. We like to get out and ride too.
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