Spring Tune Up Tips

If you don't ride in the winter, you've probably

spent the winter months on the couch eating chips

and watching television. Before you know it, spring

will be here and a new season of mountain biking

will begin. Even though your body may not be in

shape, these tips will ensure that your bike is.

Before you take your bike out, check the wear and

tear on your components and adjust them if its

necessary. Start off with your chain. If you

haven't replaced it in a year or more, it's time

to do so. Over time, the individual parts in the

chain will get worn out, increasing its effective

length.

As this happens, the chain is no longer able to

conform to the cog and the teeth of the chain ring,

so it wears those teeth out to fit the profile of

the chain. If you can replace the chain before it

stretches too much you'll save yourself from having

to replace high priced cogs and chain rings.

Now, check the bearing surfaces. These include your

bottom bracket, hubs, and the headset. Each of these

should turn without a problem with no play in the

system. Before checking the bottom bracket, make

sure each cranking arm is snugged tight. Next, hold

on to the crank arm (not the pedal) and wobble it

back and forth. If you hear any clicking or if the

crank arm binds, the bottom bracket needs to be

adjusted.

Do the exact same thing with your hubs. Take the

wheels off the bike, spin the hub axles, then feel

for any free play or binding. If you feel play or

binding, you need to make an adjustment. To check

the headset, start off by putting the newly adjusted

wheels back on the bike.

Now, grab the front brake and pull and push the

handle bars back and forth. There shouldn't be any

play. If you lift the front end off the ground,

the fork should turn very smoothly. If it feels rough,

it needs to be either adjusted or replaced.

While your looking, check the condition of your cables

and housing. The cables should be rust free and the

housing shouldn't be cracked or kinked. If you see any

of this you should replace the offending device, as if

you don't your shifting and braking will be sluggish.

Last, you should inspect your brake pads. Most pads

will have ridges or indicator marks that will let you

know when they need to be replaced. Brake pads that

are worn out will comprimise both safety and braking

efficiency.

Once you've got the tune ups out of the way, it's time

to go for a ride. With your mountain bike running

better than ever, all you have to do now is have fun!