Learn How To Maintain and Fix Your Own Mountain Bicycle

Knowing how to maintain and fix your own mountain bicycle is very important in keeping it reliable and safe to ride. Some people think that fixing a mountain bicycle has to be done by a bike mechanic. However, you can do some repair jobs on your own without the help of a mechanic. Some of these can be performed on the roadside when your bike develop mechanical problem while on your ride. Nevertheless, to perform these repair tasks you need to be equipped with knowledge and tools to help you in doing this.

Repair kit
Anyone with a mountain bicycle should always carry a repair kit. This is usually a bag that is attached in front of bars’ handle or behind the bicycle saddle. This bag should always be carried during long trips since it has tools that you need to maintain and fix your own mountain bicycle. It should have Allen wrenches, hex keys and other tools that are essentials for adjusting brakes and seats of the bike. Materials used in patching flat tubes are other basic requirements that should be contained in the cycling bag. You also need to carry a hand pump while going on a long journey using your bike for use in re-inflating tires of your bike. With such tools, you can ride for long distances and fix any mechanical problem on your mountain bike with ease.

Maintaining your bike
Maintaining your mountain bicycle should be a routine process. You have to always ensure that your bicycle is in proper working condition, all the time. Make sure that after riding your bicycle for long distances has all parts in proper working conditions. Also check the braking systems, riding pads, seat and even tires. Make sure that they are in proper working condition. If tires have low pressure, check if they have a puncture. It is also important that you also avoid riding it on conditions where tires can be damaged easily. If you notice noises you are not used to coming from any part of your bicycle, check them and repair the damage if there is any.

Keep all nuts and bolts tightened. If brake pads have been worn out, make sure that they are replaced before riding your bicycle for a long journey. Tighten the bicycle’s hex nut while holding brake pad at its right level. Hit brakes on your test ride to check if they engage and also disengage effectively without much rubbing.

If your bicycle has a flat tire, change it or repair it using quality tube patches. If the hole on the tube is small, you may have to fill it with air then listen to its location by listening to where it is escaping from. To repair damaged tubes, you need to release all air in the tube and clean the damaged part before fixing the patch. However, if your bicycle has an extensive damage it is advisable to replace it.

Doing a repair of your bicycle enables you to know more about it and its parts. You are also able to detect a problem in your bicycle once you do maintenance and repair yourself. Basically, having information and tools is what you need to maintain and fix your own bicycle.