Hoops' Home Maintenance Tips: With Mechanic Dean
Hoops' Home Maintenance Tips: With Mechanic Dean
A trouble-free summer of riding is just a well-maintained bike away! While our three workshops are on hand to keep the wheels turning, a spot of home maintenance is definitely recommended to keep things in prime condition. Plus, it’ll keep the cost of your annual service down too!
When it comes to efficient bike maintenance, experience counts for a whole lot. So, we had a chat with Dean, our head mechanic in Walton to find out his top tips for reliable DIY bicycle care.
Keep Your Chain Clean
A clean chain is essential for a smooth ride and the longevity of your bike. Periodically use a chain cleaner tool with degreaser to remove grime and build-up – never just apply new lube onto a dirty chain! Once the chain is clean and dry, re-lube with a good quality chain lubricant.
Keep Your Tools Organised
A disorganised workshop can be frustrating and time-consuming. Invest in a good toolbox, tool roll or hang them up on the wall – anything to keep your tools organised and easily accessible will make your life much easier!
Use A Torque Wrench
Over-tightening bolts can damage your bike or cause a component to fail. Use a torque wrench to ensure that bolts are tightened to the correct specification. They’re not as expensive a tool as they once were, and it’s definitely cheaper than replacing a failed part!
Inspect Your Bike Regularly
Regular inspections can help identify problems before they become bigger issues. Check your bike for any signs of wear or damage, such as worn brake pads or frayed cables.
Learn Basic Repairs
This might sound obvious, but is easily overlooked. Knowing how to identify and fix basic problems, such as a perished tyre or a worn-out chain, can save you time and money. With so many resources online, learning how has never been easier! The Park Tool website is a great place to start.
Replace Brake Pads Before They Wear Out Completely
Brake pads that are worn down to the metal can damage your rotors and compromise your ability to stop. On hydraulic systems, you also run the risk of introducing air to the system and needing to bleed the brakes. Usually this means a visit to us! Replace your brake pads before they wear out completely to avoid this.
Replace Worn Cables And Housing
Worn or frayed cables and housing will affect your shifting and braking performance. Replace these components periodically to keep your bike running smoothly – nothing beats the feeling of newly cabled gears.
Keep A Spare Derailleur Hanger In Stock
Shifting feeling funky but can’t find a solution for love nor money? Your derailleur hanger could be bent! It’s always worth keeping a spare derailleur hanger in your spare parts drawer – it’ll save you lots of time, money and confusion in the long run.
Follow these tips and you won’t go far wrong! If you have a bigger problem to solve or need a full overhaul though, get in touch with your closest store and we’ll get you booked into the workshop.
