9 Top tips for keeping your bicycle in mint condition

These days, it can be more attractive to use a bicycle to get around, rather than using public transport. When using your bike on the road it is important to be as safe as possible, this includes making sure your bike is in tip top condition and that it is safe to ride at all times.

In light of this, we’ve worked with one of our clients, Yellow Jersey, to pull together the key things to look out for when you are regularly riding your bike in terms of wear and tear, and Yellow Jersey have given their expertise on how to keep your bike in the best condition possible for longer.

Bicycle maintenance: Key wear and tear

If you regularly cycle to work or you enjoy bike rides on the weekends, you will understand the importance of being safe on the roads and looking
after your bicycle.

1. Rim brakes

With Rim brakes, any wear and tear will be visible on the wear marker on a pair of brake pads. When the grooves (shown below) start to wear down you should change your brake pads.

TOP TIP: To lengthen brake pad life, pick out any grit and metal that has built up between the grooves. This also helps to protect your rims.

2. Rims

With a rim brake bike, the rims of your bike will also wear with use over time; it is important to keep on top of this as worn rims can explode when overheated.

You can either look for the wear marker (normally a small pin hold, or a continuous recessed line), these are designed to disappear once the rims are worn. When you can no longer see them, it’s time to replace the wheel. Alternatively, measure the thickness of the rims and check this against the manufacturer instructions.

TOP TIP: Regularly cleaning your rims with a cleaning block can reduce abrasive build up. This increases breaking performance and prolongs rim life.

3. Disc brakes

If you have disc brakes, you can look in the top of the brake calipers and see the brake pad material between the rotor and the braking plate. When there is around 1mm left you should replace these pads.

TOP TIP: Be sure to bed your pads in properly once you’ve changed the brake pads, as this will extend the life of your pads.

4. Disc rotors

Disc rotors will often have a minimum thickness stamped on them, you should measure your rotors with some calipers to check their thickness. If they’ve reached the marked thickness, it’s time to change them. It’s also worth looking out for any deep grooves, this is often caused when a stone or something similar gets stuck in the caliper, this can affect brake performance and safety.

TOP TIP: Cleaning your rotors with brake cleaner helps to stop the abrasive compound building up. If your brakes are rubbing regularly, it can be worth truing your rotors.

5. Tyres

Running your tyres at the correct pressure can increase grip, decrease rolling resistance and minimise punctures. Ensuring that your tyres are inflated with sufficient air pressure will also help to protect the sidewalls.

TOP TIP: Picking out any obstructions (glass/thorns/grit etc.) that build into your tyres can stop punctures in the future.

6. Mountain Bike Tyres

The thread pattern and depth on mountain bike tyres can affect your trip and performance when riding. Depending on the terrain, your tyres can wear down quicker.

TOP TIP: Check your tread depth visually to see if any treads are wearing thin and look to see if your tyre is showing any cuts or bulges on the side wall.

7. Road bike tyres

Most road bike tyres now come with a tread wear indicator, which lets your know that a replacement is needed.

TOP TIP: When the dots have disappeared on your tyres, you should change them immediately.

8. Chain

The chain, cassette and chainring tend to wear together, if fitted at the same time. It’s important to regularly check and maintain these components to avoid unnecessary wear and tear. The chain wears down quite quickly and needs to be changed often. Using a worn chain can cause additional wear to other parts of your bike, such as the cassette and chainrings.

A chain wear checker is a common tool used that can help to determine the wear on your chain. By simply inserting the tool in between the chain links, you can confirm if it needs a replacement. Typically, the tool will have two set measurements. If the tool reaches 0.5%, it means that the chain can still be used. However, if the tool reaches 0.75%, then you should replace it immediately.

TOP TIP: Check and clean your chain regularly. (Especially in the winter).

9. Cassette

When your cassette is worn, the early indicators can be skipping when under load or poor shifting when riding. Keeping an eye on the cassette teeth means you can easily see the changes in the tooth shapes. When they look rounded or sharp, it’s time to replace them.

TOP TIP: Cleaning your chain and cassette regularly can reduce the built up of abrasive particles that wear your chain and cassette. Choosing the correct chain lube can help to increase longevity and decrease drivetrain friction losses as well.

At Allianz Assistance, we offer a range of products to help protect you throughout your life. Be that when you’re driving, on holiday or at home; browse our range of products here.