Bike The Bump

If you do not ride your bike in winter and spent your entire winter eating chips and watching television. You will be surprised how fast the spring is arrived and the mountain biking season will start. Even if you are not in shape make sure your bike is in shape.

n the time comes to take the bike out of its hibernation check all the moving parts and the whole bike to see all are functioning properly. Start with the chain, If you have not replaced in a year replace it immediately. The parts of the chin also may need repairs do so.

Then you can check the bearings and the hubs, headset and brackets all them should be able to turn without any play. Before you check the bottom bracket make sure each cranking arm is tight. Next hold on to the crank arm tight and try and wobble it. If any noise is heard that means the bottom bracket needs to be adjusted.

Try and check the hubs. Take the wheels of the bike spin the axles and feel for any play or binding. Here if any play or binding is felt you need to adjust the same. To check the headset start putting the adjusted wheels on the bike.

The front brake needs to pull and push the handle bars front and back. Here also there should not be any play. The wheel should be able to turn smoothly or else need adjusting.

Check the condition of the cables and housing. The cable should be free of rust and the housing should not be cracked or kinked. The devise should be immediately replaced if not in a proper shape.

Finally, check the brake pads; usually they have indicators which will instruct when to change them. The brake pads are the main important part of the bike as if they are not in proper shape they will be a threat for the safety of the bike.
Once all this is done and your bike is ready you can start your ride. After a long hiatus your biking will be fun.