It’s all too easy for a simple workshop job to escalate into a time-consuming odyssey.
We’ve all been there. From rounding a bolt or taking on a job that’s deceptively hard to simply misplacing a tool, bike maintenance can quickly become frustrating.
To ease your maintenance woes, we’ve put together a list of 15 common home maintenance mistakes so you can avoid any unneeded trips to the bike shop . 1. Reaching for the limit screws first when adjusting gears
There are many variables to check when adjusting or indexing gears . While it might be tempting to reach for the limit screws, this isn’t the best place to start.
The limit screws prevent the rear derailleur from shifting the chain into the spokes or into the driveside chainstay. Provided they have been set up correctly and the derailleur hanger is not bent , in theory they will not need adjusting.
If your gears aren’t shifting optimally, checking the cable tension should be your first port of call. It’s also worth checking the condition of the cables for any fraying, or kinks or tears to the outers. 2. Not looking after your chain properly
The chain is one of the most critical components on your bike, so it’s worth looking after.If you get into the habit of cleaning your chain regularly, your drivetrain will run smoothly and you’ll decrease the rate of chain wear .It’s best to use a specific chain degreaser and chain lubricant for optimal results when looking after your chain. […]
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