Cycle maintenance

Cycle maintenance is simple and low cost. Regular checks keep your bike in roadworthy condition and prevent unexpected and potentially dangerous incidents.

Your local cycle shop will be able to help or, if you're keen to do it yourself, there are a number of courses available in London.

Advice about cycle maintenance and maintenance courses is available from Bike For All and the London Cycling Campaign. Bike For All and the Association of Cycle Traders have details of cycle shops in your area.

Cycle maintenance tips

Prolong your bike's life by parking it out of the elements whenever possible.

Things to check:

• Tyres
• Wheels
• Brakes
• Chain
• Gears

Tyres

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

Check for cracked, gouged or worn rubber which may increase the risk of punctures and 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.

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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.

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Brakes

Squeeze each brake lever 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, especially if you are setting out on a hilly journey. This applies on both V-brake and disc brake mechanisms.

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

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.

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

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Chain

Keep your bike chain well oiled to ensure smooth gear changes. 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.

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Gears

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

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

When a rider is standing on the pedals, for example when setting off from traffic lights for example, a slipped gear may cause the rider to fly over the handle bars.

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