A bicycle is a great way to get around quickly and sustainably, but how do you keep it in good condition? Taking care of your bicycle is not complicated, just a few simple steps! In this article we will discover how to take care of your bicycle in 4 simple steps.
Step 1: Checking the brakes
The first step in taking care of your bicycle is checking the brakes. It is important to check your brakes regularly to make sure they are always in good working order. The brake is one of the most important parts of the bicycle. If you hear a metallic whistling sound during braking, it is certainly not a good sign, it almost certainly means that the pad is completely worn out.
To extend the life of the brake pads, we recommend using Pulifren, a particular degreaser that will remove the patina and dirt from the disc brakes, preserving their duration and braking effectiveness.
Step 2: Checking the wheels
The second step is that of a specific check of the wheels to check for any damage or deformation. The easiest way to do this is to turn the bike around (if you don’t have a kickstand) and look closely at both the front and rear.
Look for any dings or creases in the surface of the wheels and signs of wear on the tires. Tires should be replaced if they have deep cuts or are badly worn. If your wheels are significantly damaged, you may need to take them to a repair shop to see if they can be repaired or replaced.
Step 3: Checking the chain
The third step in maintaining your bike is checking the chain. If your chain is bad, your bike won’t be able to perform well. For this reason, it is important that you regularly check your chain and make sure it is always lubricated.
To check your chain, you’ll need to clean it first. Use a damp cloth to remove dirt from the surface of the chain or our Pulifren or Pulitel degreaser. Once the chain is clean, lightly lube it with an oil or silicone based lube like our Lube 1 without going overboard.
Once you’ve lubed your chain, use a dry cloth to wipe off any excess lube. Finally, check that all chain components are slack and tight.
Step 4: Cleaning and Lubrication
The fourth and last step is the one dedicated to cleaning and lubricating your bike. For this operation you will need a brush, a microfibre cloth, chain lubricant and any liquids for cleaning the aluminum, steel or carbon components.
First, lift the bicycle off the ground and place it on a stand or other suitable support. At this point proceed with the general cleaning of the bike: to remove all the dust and dirt from the lower part of the fork, from the steering sleeves and in the most difficult corners you can use water.
The water not only removes excess dirt but prepares the frame to welcome any detergents, giving them greater uniformity. Super cleaner is the specific cleaner for this part of the job.
If you prefer not to wash your bike with water, there are active foams on the market. like our Pulisuper.
Conclusion
In conclusion, taking care of your bicycle is important to keep it in good condition and to ensure that it is always ready to ride. Following these four simple steps – checking tire inflation, lubricating moving parts, checking brakes and inspecting metal/carbon parts – will help keep your bike in top condition for years to come.
