Bicycle Maintenance and Care Tips

By: Gregg Hall

A bicycle is your ticket to exercise, freedom, and fun. If you spend any amount of time riding a bike, you know just how important those two wheels can be. Your bike is a valuable part of your life. Treat your bike with care so that it lasts for many years to come. Normal wear and tear occurs on every bike. This is especially true in regards to your tires.

How do you know if you need to replace a bicycle tire? Frequently check your bike for signs of trouble. Assessing any issues with your bike quickly will ensure that the problem can be resolved before it gets worse, or becomes unsafe for the rider. Closely take a look at your tires. Do you denote any cracks or cuts in the tire. A small knick may not be anything to worry about, but it is something to keep an eye on for safety's sake. When your tires begin to show significant signs of wear and tear, it is time to purchase new tires. If you can see the cords of your tires, it is time to replace them immediately.

It is not uncommon to replace a single bike tire. Uneven wear on one tire more than another can lead to this situation. Another reason to replace only one bike tire may be due to a puncture. If you have accidentally run over a nail or other sharp object, it is possible to only need to purchase a single new tire at this time.

What if your bike keeps going flat? If your bicycle tire won't hold air, check for any holes in the tire. You may have punctured through the tire and into the tube resulting in a flat. If the tire looks fine, you simply may need to buy a new inner tube for your bike.

To determine whether you need a tube and a tire, or new inner tube only, you will need to take a serious look at the inside of the bicycle tire. If the inside of the tire looks fine, showing no signs of a puncture or rough area, then you will only need to invest in an inner tube.

Purchasing new bike tires can be confusing, but it doesn't have to be. When buying new tires for a bicycle, you need to know the size of the old tire. This information can be found on the side wall of the old tire.

Also, you will want to select a bike tire that is appropriate for your recreational or professional activity. Knobby tires, for example, are better suited to off road travel on rough terrain. The thin, skinny tires work well for road cycling. Finding the right size and style of tire is key to safety and comfort on your bike.

When it comes to filling your tires with air, it is important to use a tire gauge specifically suited to test pressure in bike tires. Air pressure will vary based on a number of factors. Monitor your bike tires regularly to make certain your bicycle tires aware carrying the right pressure. The proper minimum and maximum pressure amounts should be clearly marked on the tire.

Your bike tires will last for a long time with proper care and maintenance. Safety and comfort improve with proper tires for your bike. Enjoy the freedom and fun your bike gives you by taking care of your ride.

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