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Spring Things…

Spring is just around the corner and you’re probably getting a bit “Shack Whacky” from the winter at this point. You want to be prepared for that first nice warm day to bring your bike out of hibernation or if you have been a Hearty Soul and have been riding all winter, you’ll want to prepare for those epic rides in the warmth of the sun!

1) First thing you’ll probably notice is that your bike is filthy, covered with dust and grime from last seasons riding. Give your bike a good clean up before you start to ride. A mild detergent like “Dish Soap” is a great cleaner. Dirt, Mud, general crap and moisture will create big headaches if left unattended. Wipe the bike with a damp cloth and remove any mud from the cog set and chain. (**Tip - use and old comb or hair brush to remove nasty bits of mud and crap from the drive train)

2) Another thing you’ll notice is your tires are probably flat. Don’t freak out, you probably don’t have a puncture. Over a prolonged period of non-use your tires will go soft or flat. Tubes will leak slightly over this time and usually only need a top up or fill and you’re good to go. It’s a good time to inspect your tires. Check for “Bald” spots and dry cracks. Should there be lots of cracks, it may be a good idea to change your tires. Tires, because they are made of rubber tend to dry out over a period of time and lose their elasticity. This can create splits that can cause “Blow outs”. For your own safety attend to it immediately!

3) Once it is spanky clean and dry, Lube all "Bearing Points" with a good Bike Lube. You have your choice of many different mediums. Oil, Wax based, Silicone based are only a few that are available. Me, personally, I like oil based lubes because they are good in any weather and form a barrier for moisture and rust. Concentrate on areas like; pedals, Headset (steering), Bottom Bracket (Pedal arm axle), Front and Rear wheel Axles, brake arm pivot points, exposed cables, derailleurs, Seat post and seat post fasteners and most importantly your chain. Give it a good coating of lube. Wipe off the excess oil. This will form a moisture barrier and prevent the grease from drying out. Too much lube is just not necessary and is a waste. It will end up being a magnet for dirt and dust and make a gooey mess.

Before you go out for a ride make sure you give it a thorough inspection.
- Spin Wheels to check for smooth rolling and to see if the rims are “True”, with no wobbles or warps. Feel the Spokes to make sure that there are none that are broken or loose.
- Make sure all moving parts; Steering, Brakes, Shifters and even your seat post all operate smoothly.
- Check Brake and Deraileur cables for rust and corrosion. If they are sticky or frozen, make sure they are in good working order before you ride. Also Check your brake pads for wear. Make sure before you ride you have sufficient brakes. Brakes are the only thing between you and a visit to the ER!
- Snug all “Fasteners”; Nuts, bolts and Quick Releases.

4) Spin your pedals and check to see that the drive train is running smoothly. If there are “Jumps” or “Jams” in your chain, that might mean you may have a few “Frozen” links in your chain. Spray some WD-40 or oil on your chain and manually work the chain to free the frozen links. Be patient and take your time to free any sticky links. Frozen links can cause “Clicking” or “Jumpy” pedalling. It can also cause “Miss shifts” and “Chain Jams” that can be dangerous.

5) Prevent rust or corrosion on exposed non-moving parts, like, brake levers, chipped paint areas on the frame, apply oil or spray WD 40 on a clean cloth or rag then wipe a good coating of oil on the part. This will form a moisture barrier. Even indoor storage areas can be damp and dusty places. Underground garages are filthy environments to store your bike. **Note - Too much WD40 is NOT a good thing! WD40 does a lot of things, most of all it's a De-Greaser and can remove vital grease from points where thick, sticky, slippery grease is necessary...like in all bearing points.

6) Last, this is the time to check your old helmet. Helmets do not last forever! Generally they have a life span of 5 years. The closed cell foam, tends to dry out and harden, thus reducing the specific safety aspects of the helmet. Look on the inside of the helmet for a sticker. It will have a expiry date or a date of manufacture. If its gone try to remember when you bought it. Even if a helmet is barely used or looks new and in good condition, if its older than 5 years, it’s a good idea to let it go. Helmets are very reasonably priced and are very different than the old “Brain Buckets” of the past. They are light weight, well ventilated and stylish and the Law for some.

The Helmet Law in Ontario
Cyclists under 18 are required by law to wear an approved bicycle helmet when riding a bike on a roadway or sidewalk in Ontario. The law was passed on October 1, 1995. Some communities in Ontario have passed by-laws requiring cyclists under 18 to wear helmets wherever they ride.
An approved bicycle helmet is one that has been tested for use by cyclists by one of the following testing agencies:
• Canadian Standards Association (CSA)
• Snell Memorial Foundation
• American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
• American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
• British Standards Institute,
• Standards Association of Australia
Other kinds of protective helmets, such as hockey helmets, are not acceptable.
All cyclists should wear a bike helmet when they ride. It is a sure way to reduce your risk of brain and head injury in the event of a crash or collision.
Police Fines
Parents can be charged if they knowingly allow their children who are under 16 to ride without a bicycle helmet. The fine is $60. With court costs of $5 and the victim fine surcharge of $10, the total is $75 for a plea of guilty.
Cyclists who are 16 or 17 can be fined directly. Again, the fine is $60. With court costs of $5 and the victim fine surcharge of $10, the total is $75 for a plea of guilty.

Follow these simple steps and you will have a relatively easy time when the weather turns in the spring. Should you have any problems with any of the components on your bike, make sure that it is safe before you ride. A little problem can lead to an accident or major repair costs if left unattended. Keep in mind, most repairs are easy enough that you can Do it Yourself or fairly inexpensive to take it to your local bike shop. Most bike shops will give you a FREE inspection and give you an FREE estimate of the repairs.

If you have any questions or you want us to do the prep for you, give us a call or drop us a line via email.

We offer a Spring Special TLC – Tune, Lube & Clean for only. $35.00

Get your bike out and Ride! Get on, Get out and Get going!

 

		Wheel Excitement Inc. welcomes your feedback. Whether it's Tech Talk, General inquiries or you just want to know what's up, call or email us! info@wheelexcitement.ca Wheel Excitement Inc  • Tel: 416-260-9000 249 Queen's Quay West, Unit 110, Toronto, Ontario    M5J 2N5    Canada