How to prepare your bike for spring riding
 
It’s possible your bike’s been hiding in the back of the garage or on a storage hook over the winter months gathering dust and cobwebs. Before you get all inspired by Spring and take your bike for a spin, make sure you give it a thorough check up. Most of these checks and adjustments are relatively easy to do. But if you don’t want to get your hands dirty, have your AvantiPlus store take care of it for you.
 
Clean your bike
A clean bike lasts longer and works better. It’s as simple as that. Use a basic biodegradable cleaner, a towel and an old toothbrush to clean everything: the frame, chain, chain rings, cassette, derailleurs, pedals, brakes, wheels (use rubbing alcohol and a rag), seat post and seat.
 
Inspect the drive-train.
The drive-train includes the pedals, chain, chain-ring, derailleur (the device that changes gears) and rear wheel cassette or sprocket. 
Raise the rear wheel and spin, as you did when checking the wheels, shifting through all the gears. This is easiest with a bike stand. Shifting should be smooth and easy. Inspect the chain, chain-rings, derailleur and cassette for damage (excessive wear, missing teeth, dents, scrapes and so on). 
If shifting is not smooth, take your bike to a repair shop to adjust the derailleur unless you’re completely confident you know what to do. Chains should be replaced every 3000 to 5000 km.
 
Test the cables
Inspect cables and surrounding rubber housing for cracks, dents, rust, dirt and tension (they shouldn’t be loose). New cables make shifting and braking smooth. If you notice damaged or worn out cables, get them replaced at your local bike shop. 
 
Check your brakes
Brakes are the most important safety feature of your bike. If they don’t work properly you’re taking a big, unnecessary risk. Check the rubber brake pads to see if they’re wearing evenly. If you notice a ridge or other uneven wear pattern, you may need to have your brakes adjusted. Replace the pads if they show excessive wear. To adjust your brakes, turn the barrel adjuster on your brake cables to tighten or loosen them.
 
Check your wheels
Wheels or rims keep your tyres connected with the road and are the surface that brakes interact with. So they’re important to look after.
Inspect the rims for nicks, scrapes, dents or other damage. Elevate each end of the bike and spin the wheels. They should rotate smoothly and evenly, without wobbling. Damaged rims cause uneven wear to tyres and brake pads, which can shorten their lifespan. You may need to replace your wheels if they are badly dented or damaged. Wobbly rims can be adjusted but are best handled by a technician at a bike shop.
 
Examine the tyres
Tyres are your connection with the road. They need to be in top condition always.
Check your tyres for splits and cracks especially along the side walls. Also check the tread for uneven or excessive wear. If you’re in doubt about keeping a tyre, replace it as they’re relatively inexpensive and you can change them yourself.
 
Lubricate
Lubricant protects the chain and other components of the drive-train, helping them last longer and operate efficiently. It also reduces accumulation of dirt and grime. Apply lubricant evenly to the chain while slowly rotating the pedals in an anti-clockwise direction. Also, remember to lube moving parts on the derailleur, the pivot point on the brake levers and any exposed cable wire. Wipe off any excess lube with a clean, dry rag, especially on the chain.
 
Four handy tools you might need
Floor pump
Chain lube
Allen key set
Puncture kit – tube/s, two tire levers, one portable pump and/or CO2  cartridge.