Spring Clean - Stop, look & listen
When I can’t find something I need in the house, which is more often than I like, my wife will cheerily chime in that I should start cleaning up, as that is often the best way to find something. I mildly resent this; and she is right.
A similar thing applies to bike maintenance, something I do better with than household organization. If you want to know what your bike needs, a great place to start is by giving the bike a careful clean.
Unlike the house analogy, hopefully you are not actively missing any parts of your bicycle when you start to clean it! But what you will find by washing the frame and the wheels and the tires and the drivetrain are areas that may need maintenance or even replacement.
Here’s what to look and listen for.
Unless you have had an accident, it is highly unlikely that you will find any problems with your frame. But after washing it you may find some nicks in the paint or wear from cables that you may want to address.
As you clean your wheels, inspect for damage and any loose spokes. Spin the wheels and see if they have a wobble in them. If they do, and you are not comfortable truing your own wheels, take them to a shop.
As you clean your tires, inspect the tread for wear. If you have a lot of little nicks, it’s probably time for a new set. If you see threads showing through the rubber, it is absolutely time for a refresh! Check the sidewalls (the side parts of the tire) for any cuts, which indicate a need for replacement.
After you degrease and clean your drivetrain, give your chain some fresh lube. Now is the time to listen as well as look. Go for a little spin. What do you hear? Any clicking? That could indicate a need for tuning your derailleur or derailleurs. Any creaking? That could mean a number of things! If you can’t find the source of the noise, take the bike to a shop for servicing. Creaking isn’t necessarily dangerous, but it absolutely is an indication that your bike needs some care.
The more you do this process, the faster and easier it will become, and the more enjoyable your riding will be.
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