Tips to maintain your racing bike
Every racing bike benefits from good upkeep. This is a crucial part of getting optimal performance and to guarantee a long lifespan for your bike. In this blog we’re sharing some tips to keep your racing bike in pristine condition, including maintenance in the winter.
Keep oiling your chain!
The chain is the heart of your bike, so don’t forget to regularly clean and oil it. After a ride in the rain or muddy circumstances, your chain will need some extra love. Use your chain oil and apply it to the gears of the chain. Another tip: before you wipe away the excess oil, leave it to work its magic for a bit. Then your chain will be completely ready for your next ride!
Gear switching secrets: the art of smooth cycling
Optimally switching between gears is very important for the lifespan of your chain. TO get the best out of your chain and biking performance, we put the essential switching tips together into some bulletpoints.
- Lightly keep pedaling while switching gears. Don’t stand still, but also don’t put too much force on the pedal; you’ll risk that the chain falls off or breaks.
- Test and find your way of switching gears and play around with it for a bit. This way you will know what works best for you and how you can switch gears in different situations.
The right tire pressure brings you further
The right tire pressure is essential for the performance, safety, and maintenance of your racing bike. By keeping the optimal tire pressure, the chance of uneven wear and tear is kept to a minimum, which extends the lifespan of your tires. Grip is essential in a racing bike, especially if you like adventure on uneven roads. Grip can be enhanced by having the right tire pressure. Finally, the perfect tire pressure lessens the chance of air leaking. This way you can adventure carefree and arrive at your end destination!
Winter upkeep: make your bicycle winter ready
Maintenance is a bit more important in wintertime. All the road and weather conditions can be a lot for your racing bike, road salt that can sit in every crevice, mud wears your bike out and your brake performance gets less. With the right approach you can protect your bike against all this damage. It is important to clean your bike after every ride and get rid of all the built-up mud and salt. The best way to do this is with lukewarm water and a mild cleaning agent. Use a (old) towel to dry your bicycle after riding it & cleaning. This is how you prevent rust!
Keep an eye on your brake pads
Regular inspection of your brake pads is essential. If they are worn down and don’t offer enough braking force, you need to change them immediately. Make sure your brake pads are always in spotless condition before you get on the roads for a safe trip. If you’re not sure if they should be changed yet, you can always inquire your local bike fixer.
Don’t forget to regularly do a check-up on the general state of your bicycle. Oil moving parts, like the derailleur and saddle clamp, regularly.
Thanks to adequate care for your racing bike, it will stay in optimal condition, which ensures that you can enjoy every ride throughout the whole year. Whether it is summer or winter, take good care of your bike and enjoy the benefits all year long! If you have any questions about replacing parts of your bike, the experts of the SunRace team are ready to help you!
