| Tips and Tricks There is always an easier way |
| 111 Front St N Issaquah, WA 98027 425 392 4588 |
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Oil That Chain - Without doubt the most neglected thing we see on the
bikes we service is the drive chain. The average chain should last for
several years but we see bikes that go through a chain a year. Not only is
this hard on the pocket book but also affects the efficiency of the bicycle.
Why work any harder than you have too? A little chain lube once a week is
all that is needed to make things work happily. There are many types of
lubricants available that do a good job if used properly. Tri-flow, Finish
Line, White lightning are all good names. Even trusty WD-40 will work in a
pinch. Please do not use 3-in-1 oil, sewing machine oil, engine oil, or
motorcycle chain lube unless you really enjoy dealing with an oily
ineffective mess.
Checking Derailleur Alignment – A common situation that we see is
the bent derailleur and chain in the spokes scenario. What happens here
is that the bike is dropped on its right side and the derailleur gets bent
inward. When the rider shifts to a lower gear the bent derailleur shifts the
chain off the rear gear cluster into the spokes. This results in broken
spokes and often a broken derailleur. Prevent this by checking the
derailleur alignment before you ride after a fall or crash. This is done by
checking that the derailleur and the derailleur cage (that long spring
loaded thing with a little sprocket on each end) is perpendicular to the
ground and parallel to the wheel. If you find that the derailleur is bent
inward grasp it firmly and bend it back in line. You might want to have a
bike shop check for further damage at the next opportunity.
How to Fix Squealing Brakes – Loud squealing brakes are a common
problem on bicycles and can be very annoying. The noise is actually a
high-pitched vibration initiated by poor or improper contact between the
brake pad and the rim. As the brake pads wear and age they are more
likely to cause squeal either by the pads wearing down to contact the rim
flush or by pad or rim glaze. The brake pads should be toed in so that the
leading edge of the pad contacts the rim first. This should remedy the
noise but if not then the pad and rim might benefit from a light sanding.
This removes any light glaze on these surfaces and can improve braking
efficiency. If the brakes still squeal after this then it is the result of wear in
the brake itself or wear of the brake pivots on the frame. This is usually
only seen on inexpensive or poorly maintained bikes and in this case the
noise may be something you will just have to live with..
bikes we service is the drive chain. The average chain should last for
several years but we see bikes that go through a chain a year. Not only is
this hard on the pocket book but also affects the efficiency of the bicycle.
Why work any harder than you have too? A little chain lube once a week is
all that is needed to make things work happily. There are many types of
lubricants available that do a good job if used properly. Tri-flow, Finish
Line, White lightning are all good names. Even trusty WD-40 will work in a
pinch. Please do not use 3-in-1 oil, sewing machine oil, engine oil, or
motorcycle chain lube unless you really enjoy dealing with an oily
ineffective mess.
Checking Derailleur Alignment – A common situation that we see is
the bent derailleur and chain in the spokes scenario. What happens here
is that the bike is dropped on its right side and the derailleur gets bent
inward. When the rider shifts to a lower gear the bent derailleur shifts the
chain off the rear gear cluster into the spokes. This results in broken
spokes and often a broken derailleur. Prevent this by checking the
derailleur alignment before you ride after a fall or crash. This is done by
checking that the derailleur and the derailleur cage (that long spring
loaded thing with a little sprocket on each end) is perpendicular to the
ground and parallel to the wheel. If you find that the derailleur is bent
inward grasp it firmly and bend it back in line. You might want to have a
bike shop check for further damage at the next opportunity.
How to Fix Squealing Brakes – Loud squealing brakes are a common
problem on bicycles and can be very annoying. The noise is actually a
high-pitched vibration initiated by poor or improper contact between the
brake pad and the rim. As the brake pads wear and age they are more
likely to cause squeal either by the pads wearing down to contact the rim
flush or by pad or rim glaze. The brake pads should be toed in so that the
leading edge of the pad contacts the rim first. This should remedy the
noise but if not then the pad and rim might benefit from a light sanding.
This removes any light glaze on these surfaces and can improve braking
efficiency. If the brakes still squeal after this then it is the result of wear in
the brake itself or wear of the brake pivots on the frame. This is usually
only seen on inexpensive or poorly maintained bikes and in this case the
noise may be something you will just have to live with..
