Maintenance

Five simple bicycle maintenance checks to save you pounds

Prevention is better than cure

A few simple precautions can help save hundreds of pounds in replacement parts and labour costs
Many frames have a slot at the top of the seatpost which can fill with road grime, causing the post to become seized in the frame
Riding through flood water can lead to water ingress through the rim's spoke holes
Headset bearings are inexpensive items and likely to be discarded and replaced when sufficiently worn to create 'play' in the headset. They can be serviced, however
Cup and cone bearing systems are serviceable but regular maintenance is required to prevent damage to the hubshell
A gear cable that splits within a dual control lever can be difficult to remove and can damage the shifting mechanism
Applying a small amount of oil to the spoke nipple can help to prevent corrosion

Prevention is often recommended as a more effective method of attaining good health than cure. The same applies to bicycles.

Allowing your trusted steed to decompose for want of a few, simple post-ride checks, or a regular and thorough cleaning regime, can be short-sighted indeed, leading to hefty bills when the time comes to admit defeat and surrender its rusted remains to the tender ministrations of the mechanic at your local bike shop.

Who better then to ask for five top tips on how to keep your bike in good shape than a man who earns a living from those who don’t? We asked Andy Phillips, mechanic at independent bike shop, Ride, for five of the best ways to keep your bike – and your wallet – in good health.

Experienced riders will doubtless have their own preventative measures too. If you have any tried and trusted methods for staying on the road and out of the workshop, share them below or in the RCUK Forum.

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