Maintenance of the bicycle. Repair and maintenance of bicycles

The owner of a modern bicycle is important to constantly maintain his own two-wheeled transport in proper condition. On how well and qualitatively and timely the bicycle is serviced, it depends not only on the convenience of driving, but also on the health and even life of the cyclist.

It is extremely important to periodically seek help from specialists who will be able to bring the bicycle to its normal state. However, it is important to gradually master the skills for self-repair and maintenance of the bike.

Instruments

It is simply impossible to repair and maintain a bicycle without having a certain set of tools and consumables. The basic list of tools should be available for every responsible cyclist:

• Spanners of various sizes;
• Hexagons;
• Slotted and Phillips screwdrivers;
• Pliers;
• Clamps;
• scissors;
• Mallet;
• Attachments end type.

Specialists strongly recommend increasing the number of necessary tools, creating their own sets and working boxes. In addition to the above tools, in the presence of which it becomes possible to independently maintain the bicycle, the following can be useful: chain fenders, spokes and bushing keys, cleaning brushes, lubrication of parts.

Grease

Regular cycling requires accurate regular lubrication of parts, which contributes to the adequate functioning of all mechanisms. In this case, the owner of two-wheeled vehicles should be guided by what exactly and when it should be lubricated.

Bicycle maintenance should be carried out with the following lubricants.

1. Aerosols - used in the processing of hinges, cables, chains. Suitable in situations where the bicycle parts require emergency assistance in the absence of conditions for full service.
2. Liquid greases - are used to process the rear hub and bicycle chain. Quickly harden when the temperature of the environment decreases. Therefore, ineffective in winter travel.
3. Dense greases - suitable for lubricating threads and bearing assemblies.

Frame

Care of the frame is to clean it from dirt and check for damage. Therefore, when carrying out maintenance of the bicycle, it is extremely important to thoroughly wash the frame with a soap solution using a soft sponge. This will avoid clogging with mud and all kinds of garbage working mechanisms of the bike.

It is necessary to carefully check the frame for dents and wrinkles on the surface of the metal. The presence of such minor damage often leads to a complete and irretrievable breakage of the frame when driving over difficult or rough terrain.

Tires

Usually, the tires contain special marks that indicate the recommended pressure level. It is on this indicator that you should be guided by the pumping of tires. Carrying out the bicycle, it is necessary to check the tires carefully for any cuts and damages.

On modern bikes, tires are not rubbed over the cord, but on the tread. Therefore, it is necessary to check the condition of the cord on the tires before any further journey.

Steering column

The nature of the maintenance of the bicycle steering column entirely depends on the type of the mechanism. In the presence of an integrated column, the main component of which are industrial bearings, it is time to replace the lubricant in a timely manner. At the same time, a semi-integrated steering column often requires replacement of worn-out bearing balls. A clear signal for replacement here is the appearance of a squeak in the area of the steering glass, as well as the appearance of difficulties with steering wheel turns.

Fork

Repair and maintenance of bicycles is extremely rare without checking the efficiency of the plug. The whole complex of procedures here is primarily aimed at lubricating the constituent elements with oil, checking the operability or replacing springs, seals, pistons. Among other things, the feet often need forks and anther, which are most susceptible to contamination. When servicing the bicycle fork, it is important to carefully handle the ring springs.

Specialists do not advise disassembling fork inexperienced cyclists, because this mechanism is one of the most difficult. Therefore, it is better to trust the service of this system to a professional master.

Chain

Maintenance of the chain consists in cleaning it from dirt, correcting the tension, eliminating unnecessary links in the case of stretching. The chain can be cleaned with special solvents or with soapy water, a special flushing device must be used.

Mnoutki

Caring for the mantles involves cleaning the mechanism and replacing lubricants. Since the device of dummies experiences insignificant loads, it is possible to perform its maintenance no more than once a season.

Attention must be paid not only to serviceability and the state of the coins, but also to the cables, which must be oiled, which guarantees a smooth, supple sliding in the middle of the mechanism.

Bushings

Mountain bike maintenance requires a mandatory check of the condition of the bushings. To test the performance of these elements, it is enough to grab the wheel by the tire, and then to shake in the direction of the axis. In the presence of play, the bushing can be adjusted using special cone keys.

Lubricate the bushing is recommended at the beginning of each season. In many respects, the frequency of the replacement of the lubricant here depends on the intensity and mode of operation of the bicycle.

Pedals

Check the work of the pedals is very simple. It is enough to rotate them around the axis several times. Insufficiently smooth, rapid rotation is a sign of poor-quality lubrication. If necessary, bulkheads and replacement of bearings, the pedals must be dismantled from the end.

Brakes

The wear of brake pads is one of the main causes of emergencies. Replacement shoe is made in case of their abrasion before the appearance of a characteristic squeal when you press the brake pads .

The cause of poor braking may be contamination of the brakes or grease on the rim. Therefore, the contours of the rims should be periodically washed with a soap solution or wiped with alcohol.

Maintenance and repair of the bicycle makes it possible to significantly extend his life, and also guarantee comfortable movement and safety of the cyclist. Regular independent care of the bike over time becomes not only a simple, but also a pleasant procedure, which makes it possible to dispense with the services of specialists.