Cycle maintenance

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Brakes
Chain
Gears
Tyres
Wheels

Knowing how to maintain your bike is simple and low cost. Here are a few tips to get you on your way.

Brakes

Squeeze each brake leaver in turn to ensure they apply enough pressure to lock the wheel and stop your bike.

To ensure a smooth and controlled stop, your brakes should start activating as soon as you pull the lever. Pulling halfway toward the handle bars before getting traction is a signal to tighten the brake cable.

Brake pads shouldn't be worn right down. This applies on both v-brake and disc brake mechanisms.

Brake pads should only connect with the rims of the wheel when activated. Rubber locks to rubber, so pads touching the tyre cause damageand lead to unexpectedly sharp stops and potential accidents.

Bikes with hydraulic disc brakes or compressed air suspension should be maintained at the correct pressure. Check manufacturer's instructions.

Check for frayed or stretched cables, which will be less effective and may slip.

Chain

Keep your bike chain well oiled to ensure smooth gear change. A squeaky chain is a sure sign that oil is needed.

The chain should run cleanly through front and rear sprockets and should not rub against the derailleurs.

Gears

Gears should be oiled and not clogged up with grime or mud.

All gears should be fully operational and not cause rough shifting or chain slippage. Slipped gears often cause the bike to veer sharply, which is particulary dangerous in traffic.

Tyres

Ensure tyres are property inflated. Under-inflated tyres will slow you down, making cycling more difficult, and can increase the risk of punctures.

Check for cracked, gouged or worn rubber, which may increase the risk of punctures and will eventually lead to tyre failure.

Check tread and tyre edge for stones, glass thorns and other debris which may work their way in and cause a puncture.

Wheels

Wheels should spin without rubbing or wobbling. If they rub, check for trueness, uneven brakes, rubbing mudguards or unevenly placed wheels.

Check your wheels are securely fastened.

With thanks to Transport for London.