| Bike Care |
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You are ready to ride your bike, but is it ready for you? Here are some tips for readying your bike for use this spring. Check the tires Look to see if they are dry-rotted or need inflation, said Turtlecreek Tyson, owner of Bicycle Mechanica in Indianapolis. Chris Wiggins, owner of A1 Cyclery in Indianapolis, noted tires should be inflated with a pump made specifically for bicycles. Every year, he deals with people who have tried to use a gas station pump and have destroyed their tires. Check the sidewall of the tire for the correct pressure, he said. Check for loose stuff This can be done by simply giving the bike a good shake and seeing if any parts seem unusually loose, especially the brakes, wheels and bearing sets, Tyson said. Tighten any bolts for added measure. Does it fit? Make sure the bike is the right size for your height and that the seat and handlebars are adjusted correctly, Tyson said. Worn parts Inspect the bike to ensure cables are not frayed, Wiggins said. Lube it Lubricate the chain sparingly and use lubricant made only for bikes. Don't want to do it yourself? Bring it in it to get a tune-up, Wiggins said. The average tune-up will cost about $50, he said. Both Wiggins and Tyson compared a bike to a car. Just as a car needs proper maintenance, so does a bike. Take care of it. |