Essential Bicycle Maintenance Tips Every Cyclist Should Know
Bicycle Maintenance Tips: What Every Cyclist Should Be Doing I’ll admit it—bicycle maintenance isn’t something I’m always on top of. I tend to procrastinate, and when things finally squeak or slip, I get around to it. That said, I do what I can on my own and rely on my trusted local bike shop for anything more complicated, like cable replacement. Here are three key maintenance tasks that every cyclist, even the procrastinators like me, should prioritize: 1. Cleaning Your Bicycle Chain: Why It Matters I usually wait until my chain starts squeaking before I clean it—and I know that’s not ideal. But the truth is, a clean chain isn’t just quieter—it performs better and lasts longer. Why clean your chain regularly? A dirty chain reduces power transfer, increases wear on your drivetrain, and makes your ride harder than it needs to be. It also speeds up the breakdown of your cassette and chainrings. How often should you clean it? Every 100–200 miles is a good rule of thumb, or after ...