Preparing Your Bike for Biking Season
Your body may be ready for biking season. But is your bike? Before attaching streamers to your handlebars, put the following on your "to do" list:
- Check the tires' condition and pressure using a bicycle tire gauge. You'll find the ideal tire pressure marked on the tires themselves. Make sure the tire valves are at a 90-degree angle to the rim and not leaking.
- Examine the brakes for wear. If you cannot see the treads on the brake pads, replace them.
- "True" your tires (align them). To check a tire's alignment, turn your bike upside down and spin the wheel. If it wobbles, you or a bike mechanic will need to true it.
- Clean the chain with a degreaser and then oil it.
