Category: Bicycle Maintenance

Road bicycle gears enable riders to ride at a comfortable effort level over almost any terrain, but, to be able to do this, riders first must be able to use their gears intuitively. In this video, Global Cycling Network explains how to use road bike gears, as well as sharing some handy tips to help fix any problems you might encounter and ride more smoothly out on the road!

How to Locate and Tighten Loose Bicycle Spokes THINGS YOU’LL NEED A spoke wrench Purchase a spoke wrench. They can be found at any bicycle repair shop, or discount stores like Target or Kmart. While it is possible to tighten the spokes with an adjustable wrench or pliers, it is not recommended. Most spoke wrenches work for all of the popular spoke sizes. Identify loose spokes by squeezing two of the spokes together at a time. There should not be more than 1/4″ of play on any single spoke. If a spoke is badly bent, it can be removed and straightened by unscrewing it at the top with the spoke wrench and removing it through the hub. Tighten all the…

STEPS Loosen the nuts that hold the axle to the frame. If they are extremely tight, spray some lubricant on the nuts – “WD 40”, a silicone lubricant or even vegetable oil will do the trick. (Many modern bikes will not have nuts. They have a quick-release which you can easily loosen and remove the wheel). Take the wheel out of the frame. If it’s the rear wheel, you will need to lift the chain clear of the gear cluster. To ease the removal of a rear wheel, shift the chain to the smallest gear on the wheel before loosening the skewer or nuts. If it’s the front wheel, that one will be a little easier. You may also need…

STEPS 1. Locate the flat. This can be done by inflating the tube until it expands as big as a car tire. 2. Listen for any hissing noise or feel for any air coming out of the tube. You can also plunge the tube in a bucket of water and look for bubbles coming out of the tube. 3. Once the flat is located, check if it was caused by a foreign object (a piece of broken glass, a thumb tack, etc.) or a pinch flat (a snake bite looking puncture). Check the inside of the tire for any protruding foreign objects. 4. Mark the hole in the tire. 5. Open up a patch kit. There should be sanding paper,…

Recycle-A-Bicycle is a not for profit environmental education and job training program for New York City youth. We take donated bicycles, repair them and reintroduce them to the community through earn-a-bike programs in schools and sales from our non-profit retail locations. Our classes teach the importance of cycling and recycling, how to maintain and repair bicycles and our ride club teaches kids how to ride safely in the city. We operate two full service retail shops that are open to the public. Website: www.recycleabicycle.org