Cycling is a fantastic alternative to driving or taking public transport and has the added benefit of keeping you fit. We stock various affordable bikes suitable for all terrains, whether you are commuting or riding for leisure.
Maintaining your bike is essential for all riders to help prolong its lifespan and ensure maximum performance. Whether you ride on roads, hit rugged mountain trails, or simply cycle for commuting, keeping on top of bike maintenance and regularly checking it is vital.
Basic bike maintenance should be carried out regularly to ensure that you don’t elevate the risk of getting into accidents due to a faulty bike. At a minimum, bike maintenance requires you to clean it regularly and perform basic maintenance; however, sometimes, you may need to repair punctures or swap out worn-out or damaged bike parts.
At Fawkes Cycles, we explain which workshop essentials you will need to prepare you for the eventuality you may need to repair your bike. Repairing and cleaning your bike will also be covered to ensure you know all the essential information about maintaining your bike.
Regularly caring for your bike ensures it runs effectively and smoothly whenever you take it for a ride. You will need various tools and stands to repair all your bike's components. For any rider, read on to find out which basic tools and stands you need to fix your bike.
Allen Keys
A good set of Allen keys is vital for maintaining your bike, as various bolts may need to be removed or tightened. Allen keys are available in numerous sizes, ensuring you cover all bases when repairing any component on your bike.
Cleaner
You will most likely travel through various terrains when riding, resulting in dirt and residue getting into your bike's components. A cleaner is a fantastic way to remove dirt and debris from your bike and helps maintain it for years to come
Lubricant
Your bike contains numerous moving parts, so lubricant is needed to ensure it runs smoothly. Spray lubricant and grease are simple solutions for keeping your bike in working order and ensuring all components run smoothly and effectively. A must on any ride is a bottle of chain lube that can be applied at any time to keep your chains moving freely, ensuring a smooth ride.
Tyre Pump
Tyres always seem to deflate at the most inconvenient times, but you can get back to full strength and back on the road in no time if you’re correctly prepared. Keep a pump with you at all times to deal with deflating tyres quickly and effectively.
Puncture Repair Kit
If you ever find yourself with a flat tyre, a puncture repair kit is a simple solution for repairing your inner tube. Better still, carry a spare one and repair the punctured tube when you get home.
Tyre Levers
If you have a puncture, a tyre lever is a vital tool that will make removing the tyre from the wheel much easier. Tyre levers are also very useful if you need to change your tyre to ride on different terrains.
Other Essentials
Other tools, such as a screwdriver, spanner or wrench, are essential as you will find various nuts and bolts with different fastenings. These everyday tools will make your job much easier when removing or replacing a bike component. One item that can never go a miss is a multi-tool. Various issues you can encounter on the road can be fixed swiftly with effective appliances bundled into a single handy tool.
Do I need a bike stand
A bike stand is an essential piece of equipment that makes repairing or replacing bike components easier. Bike stands lift your bike off the ground and keep it at a comfortable level for you to work on without worrying about keeping the bike steady. Every workshop should have a bike stand, as working without one can be difficult.
All bikes should be attached to a bike stand by the seat post, as this part is designed to withstand heavy weight. The clamp should be around shoulder height when performing general maintenance; however, the height may differ depending on the maintenance you are doing. Adjustable bike stands allow you to easily move the stand up and down to perform essential bike repairs.
Bike maintenance is crucial for keeping your bike in top condition, and knowing how to perform basic bike maintenance will help you prolong its lifespan. Understanding how to make vital repairs and adjustments while also knowing when they need to be made and when parts need replacing can make your riding experience smoother.
Inspect your tyres
Before every ride, inspect your tyres for any damage or objects that could cause a puncture. Ensure that your tyres are inflated properly, which could impact your riding experience. High tyre pressure will cause you to feel every vibration from the road, while low tyre pressure will increase the risk of a puncture.
Check your brakes
Your brakes are crucial for keeping you safe while riding, so it's vital to check them regularly. To check your brakes, ride around the block and test the front and rear brakes a few times. If your brakes don’t react and you struggle to stop the bike promptly, it may be time to replace them.
Check and lubricate your chain
The chain is essential for a bike’s proper function, so always check it before you ride for damage or wear. You can do this by using a chain checker to examine the wear and stretch of the chain and if it needs replacing. Cleaning and lubricating your chain after a ride will ensure that no debris causes lasting damage and that your chain is ready for use when you next get on the bike.
Tighten any screws
Before every ride, give your bike a quick check to see if all screws and bolts are tight and secure. Loose bolts or screws could cause your bike to malfunction when riding, increasing the risk of injuring yourself on your ride.
Perform an M-check
An M-check is a basic safety procedure that ensures all the main components of your bike are in working order. The check covers the tyres, wheels, chain, seat, and handlebars. It is quick and easy to do and ensures your bike is safe.
