For those of us who put our bikes away for the winter, the
time has come to dust them off and get ready to ride. When
bringing a bike out of storage, a mini tune-up is
necessary. Pay special attention to the following four
areas: chain, derailleur components, brakes, and wheels.

~~Chain~~
If you have been using an oil-based lubricant, consider
switching to a wax-based product. The only advantage to an
oil-based lubricant is that it needs to be applied less
frequently, but in every other way, wax-based is superior.
For instance, oil collects trail dust and other things
abrasive to the chain, whereas wax sheds abrasives. A
recommended wax-based lube is White Lightning.

If you've been using oil-based chain lube, whether you
want to switch to wax or not, you should remove the chain
and clean it with a solvent to degrease it before adding
fresh lubricant. Depending on your typical riding
conditions, using a solvent to degrease the chain needs to
be done once a year at a minimum.   

~~Derailleur Components~~
Lubricate the pivot points using a good petroleum-based
lube. I use Tri-Flow. Next, lubricate and adjust the
derailleur cables, which might have stretched over the
winter. Adjust so that shifting is crisp.

~~Brakes~~
Again, lubricate the cables. Use either petroleum- or wax-
based lube depending on how dusty the expected typical
riding conditions will be. Adjust the cables, which might
also have stretched over the winter.

Check the pads: is there plenty of rubber; do the pads hit
the rims evenly? If using fluid-actuated disc brakes, check
the brake fluid level in the reservoir.

~~Wheels~~
Spin the wheel slowly checking for true. The wheel should
not wobble at all. If it wobbles a little bit and you have
the tools and skill, you can make minor adjustments using a
spoke wrench. But if there is substantial wobbling, take
the wheel to a shop and have a professional true the wheel.  

Check tire pressure, which is bound to be low after a
winter of storage. Inflate to the manufacturers
recommendations that are stamped on the tire.

Now give the bike a once-over. Is the seat adjustment
still a good fit? Is there excess play or tightness in the
bearings of the wheels, crank, pedals, and headset? Also,
for full-suspension bikes, check the suspension joints.

From this once-over, you will be able to determine whether
it is time for a major tune-up. This could range from a few
adjustments to cleaning and/or replacement of some parts.
Opinions differ on how often a major tune-up is needed. It
depends on how much you ride, and how much maintenance you
perform yourself.

Whether you do the major tune-up yourself or take the bike
to a reputable bicycle shop, every now and then the
following maintenance is necessary for optimal performance
and safety: repacking bearings and adjusting wheel axles,
headset, crankset and pedals; replacing cables; truing the
wheels; making overall adjustments, such as to the
derailleur and brakes.

Kathryn Mosely, personal trainer and bicycling enthusiast, has written extensively on subjects related to recreational sports. For inspiration and insight, visit Acer Bike and Alta Fitness - your resources for a world of bike and fitness information.

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