One of the most exciting ways to take care of your health is by riding a bicycle. It’s a functional way to lose some weight and exercise your body. Additionally, it’s also a cost-effective way to go to different places without spending any money on gas. These are some of the reasons why more and more people are becoming huge fans of bikes.
Owning a bicycle is pretty much the same as owning a car. You have to take care of them properly in order to further their life. Bikes are also made with structured and sensitive gears that need protection from time to time. And as a bike owner, it’s your responsibility to know the different ways of taking care of your vehicle and making sure of its condition. In this article, we will list down some of the most effective ways to maintain your bikes.
1.Consider indoor storage
Most people prefer to store their bicycles outside the house or in the yard. However, displaying them outdoors makes them prone to damage. Exposure to too much sun and too much water can break its materials. If you have a bike that is made of alloy, it’s ideal to keep them away from direct sunlight. With the use of a bike rack indoor storage, you can easily park your bicycles anywhere in the house. You can choose from a variety of styles and designs that will go best with the size of your bike and the space in your home. Apart from keeping its materials durable, indoor bike storage also adds security and prevents it from untoward incidents such as theft.
2.Schedule cleaning time
As often as possible, it’s recommended that you schedule a bike cleaning especially if you often use it. You can surely accumulate a lot of dirt and dust every time you take your bike out for a ride. Before you store or park your bike for the day, it’s best if you give it a little wash or wipe first. You can also schedule a thorough cleaning time to make sure that none of this dirt will become permanent. The very first step in keeping your bike in good condition is to make sure that it’s clean all the time.
3.Keep riding your bike
At the end of the day, your bike is a vehicle and its parts are made to keep on moving. If you keep your bicycles stationary for a long time, there is a high chance that its parts and gears will get stuck. This is where internal damages can start. Once you purchase a bike, make a habit to use it. After all, the more you ride it, the more you get something in return from your investment.
4.Learn the basic checking
Again, bikes are basically vehicles. It means that it requires constant checking of its mechanism to make sure that it will always be in good condition. The key is to take note of its ABCs: Air, Brake, and Chains. Before you ride, make sure that the wheels have appropriate air. You should also check the brakes to make sure that you won’t have any problems slowing down when needed. And, most importantly, the chains should always be in their best condition. These three are the most important parts of your bike that will not only keep it from functioning properly but are also safety hazards.
5.Keep the parts moving
Of course, there will come a time when you really won’t have time to go out for a ride. However, it doesn’t mean that you should keep your bikes from moving. You can wind the pedals from time to time and check if there’s enough oil in its chain. Through this, you can protect its parts even if you rarely had a chance to use them.
6.Replace old parts
Whether you often ride or not, there will come a time that your bike’s part will need replacement. Just like in cars, it’s important to replace a bike part after a period of time. You don’t need to wait for it to wear down or to cause an accident. You can check with experts on when a part needs to be changed. The secret is to prevent it from causing any problems.
7.Know when a mechanic is needed
New bike owners are always enthusiastic when it comes to maintaining their bikes. Not only will it save you money from paying other people, but it will also help you learn new things. However, there are instances when a mechanic is really necessary to fix your bikes. If you think that the situation is a little bit too technical, it’s time to do away with DIY tips and consult a mechanic for better resolutions.
Shop for bike storage ideas
There surely are more ways to take care of your bicycles but it is most recommended to start with the basics. Check out Storables.com to browse for various options to store your bikes indoors. Visit their website to know more.