Getting Your Bike Ready To Roll By: Cody Sovis
S
pring Tune-Up: Cautiously, we might be able to say it is spring in Northern Michigan. With the weather more than capable of turning on a dime and coaxing one last snow flurry from Mother Nature, we are far enough along to bring out the bikes for good. But before you go off for a ride, make sure your trusty steed is in solid and safe working condition. Whether you are just heading around the block or for your first century of the season, here’s a simple checklist you can follow to make sure everything is still bolted on that should be. We won’t get into extensive repairs. For a full-on tune-up that will look at every detail and replace worn parts, head down to your pals at the local bike shop. But before you do that, take a look at the bike and see if there is anything glaringly wrong. Are the tires flat? Does anything look like it is especially worn, rusted or broken? Check the handlebars, grips, pedals and seat to make sure they are secure and perform correctly. Even this simple visual once over is a pretty effective way to make sure the bike is working safely.
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Tires - After a long winter, it’s worth making sure your wheels are still in good shape, starting with the tires. Check for any cracking or bald spots. For a mountain bike, see how much tread is worn down. If the rear tire is much more worn out than the front, you may want to look at replacing it in the near future. Less tread means less rubber and more flats, not to mention lost traction. Bearings - Next, check the bearings by trying to tilt or move the wheel laterally. It should be stiff. If there’s any play or side-to-side movement, you may need to have the bearings repacked or replaced completely. While you’re doing some light pushing and pulling, grab the front brake and try to push the bike forward and back. If the stem and handlebar are moving, the headset may need some attention. The steering bearings in the headset can come lose or seize up, but it is a relatively quick fix for an experienced mechanic. Transmission - A lot of cyclists would also recommend checking the transmission, which
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