Learn Basic Bike Maintenance with These Handy Tips and Simple Guides

For many, the thought of fixing their own bicycle or being charged through the roof for a service is enough to leave their once loved bike neglected in the garden shed, never to be ridden again.

However, having the ability to fix your own bike can be a very liberating and empowering experience. Whilst you probably aren’t a qualified bicycle mechanic you may be surprised by just how cheap and easy it can be to get your bike back up and running.

Cleaning and Safety Checks

Prevention is better than cure, something we’re all familiar with, but did you know the same also applies to the humble bicycle. Cleaning your bike regularly is important and should not be overlooked.  This video offers a handy step by step guide to getting your bike sparkling again in five minutes.

Getting into the habit of giving your bike a quick safety check before setting out on a ride is also highly recommended. This can help you enjoy hassle-free riding and avoid repairs. Check out Total Women’s Cycling brilliantly simple ABC pre-ride checklist.

Pesky Punctures

Punctures are a fact of cycling life. If you cycle for long enough, chances are you are going to get one at some point or another. It is also highly likely that nobody has ever shown you how to repair a puncture, and so it’s not surprising to feel daunted at the prospect of fixing one yourself. Fortunately, this video  makes it easy to understand. You may also be pleasantly surprised to learn that a puncture repair kit costs less than £5 from your local bike shop. Why not give it a go and learn a new skill today.

The Digital Age

In the digital age of the internet, there isn’t much you can’t find out online. YouTube is full of handy ‘how to’ guides and a great source of free information. There isn’t many things that Google doesn’t know the answer to. However, there is no substitute for experience. So, if you’re not confident working on your bike and fixing things yourself, Dr Bikes sessions are a great way to learn a new skill, with the guidance of a trained professional.

All good bike shops will be only too happy to help, and remember, there is no such thing as a stupid question.

To discover more about how you can get cycling, even if for the very first time, check out our dedicated Get Cycling page.