7. Bike Maintenance
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Make sure your bike is ready too before the Ride
Official mechanical service provider for HBA Around the Bay in a Day 2010.
Bicycle Superstore - Built on Passion and Experience, have agreed to provide en route mechanical support for this year’s event.
To get the full enjoyment you’ll expect from riding the HBA Around the Bay, you and your bike need to start getting into shape. The distance covered may be longer than you’re used to, so now is the time to start doing longer rides. This allows your body time to adjust to the extra workload you’re going to be put under. Don’t leave this to the last minute!
Don’t forget your bike! It may be fine for riding around bike trails on the weekend, but will it hold up to the HBA Around the Bay? During last year’s ride, we repaired heaps of bikes that simply couldn’t stand the strain, which included last minute repairs that could have been avoided.
To find out if your bike is up to the challenge, pop into any Bicycle Superstore and get it checked by our mechanics.
Here are a few tips on tyre selection, tyre care and how to prolong the life of your tyres
By Rapido Cycles Workshop Manager: Glen Maclennan
There is nothing more frustrating than being stuck on the side of the road trying to change a bicycle tube. Add to that pouring rain, wet hands. Frozen fingers and this exercise quickly turns very unpleasant
As you all know tyres and tyre selection is of great importance to ensure your ride is safe and enjoyable.
1. Tyre Selection: Select a reputable tyre brand that has a puncture protection system to help resist cuts and punctures to the inner tube
2. Tyre Direction: Some tyres are directional which means they can be fitted in different directions depending whether they are fitted on the front or back. This is common for Mountain bike and some commuter tyres. Check the tyre sidewall for a direction of rotation arrow. If fitted incorrectly the tyre may not grip or handle correctly
3. Tread Depth: Ensure the tyre has a good amount of tread depth. Less tread generally means the tyre is worn and therefore there is a greater chance of puncturing. More tread can also assist with grip in wet weather
4. Tyre Pressure: Make sure your tyres are pumped up to the recommended pressure as suggested by the tyre manufacture. (This is written on the tyre sidewall). A correctly inflated tyre rolls faster and will wear less. Adversely an under inflated tyre will wear quicker and rolls slower.
5. Tyre Inspection: This is very important and should become a post ride ritual. Have a good look at the tread surface and sidewall of the tyre. Look for cuts, bulges or any damage. If you find cuts, remove any debris such as glass or nails etc. Inspect the tyre to see if the cut goes through tyre. If so replace the tyre immediately as it may open up or enlarge when riding.
6. Tyre Replacement: When looking to replace tyres or if you are unsure of the condition of your tyres don’t hesitate to drop into your local bike shop who will be more than happy to assist.
Here are some bike maintenance tips to help you get your bike feeling like new again:
As you get near the end of your training for the ride, when was the last time you gave your trusty steed some TLC? After your training rides you stop re-fuel and replenish yourself, so why not do the same for your bike?
Your bike is your machine that will assist you to get to the finish of the ride. There is nothing more frustrating than suffering a mechanical failure after all the hours of training you have done.
• Worn Tires - Tyres wear out in a number of fashions. Natural loss of rubber causing a flat top surface of the tyre. Another might be that you haven’t ridden in quite a while and the rubber has hardened causing the tyre to feel dead.
• Cable Corrosion - Wear and Clogging : Cables although made of steel will deteriorate over time. This will cause poor shifting performance.
• Drive-Chain Wear – Wear on the Chain, Front Chain rings, Rear Cassette and Rear Derailleur can be caused by a couple of things. Poor lubrication, lack of cleaning or purely all the training you’re doing! A worn drive chain will also cause poor shifting performance.
• Handlebar Tape – This is by far the cheapest cosmetic and comfort upgrade you can do to your bike.
• Cleat and Pedals – Cleats wear very easily. Mainly due to walking around in your cycling shoes. Worn cleats can be dangerous as they do not engage with the pedal the way they should.
We recommend you take your bike to an expert mechanic for a service before the ride.
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