Some Points to Remember:

Extra special notice:  If you have been riding outside during the snow, in the slush following it, or any time in the last 72 hours, get your bike clean.  There will be salt and abrasives on it.  Salt is corrosive.  The abrasives are destructive.  Don’t delay this!

This is about maintenance.  In the wake of this past weekend it’s appropriate to think about a few items on your bike.  Likely you’ve done more “trainer miles” this year, than at any time in recent memory.  If you are riding outside, then there are some significant points to remember.  Either way your bike is being subjected to some unusual loads and stresses.

It’s time for some checks:

Indoors Riders

Tires:  What do they look like?  If you are doing a lot of trainer work, they are likely getting worn with a large “flat” to the profile.  This isn’t dangerous…  Yet.  If you are seeing any cord showing on the tire, it’s time to replace it.  How about dry rot?  Fraying cords at the bead line?  All of these are indications of wear.  Think in terms of new tires before the Spring riding season gets you outside, and a long way from home with a flat.

While on that subject, when was the last time you inventoried your “road kit.”  Do you have a good spare?  Is your patch kit fresh?  What kind of shape is your pump or inflator in?  Where are your tire levers?  Multi-tool?

Chain:  If you are doing a lot of trainer work, you probably haven’t lubed the chain in a while.  Go take the bike out of the trainer and clean and lube your chain!  Do it today.

Frame:  Inspect it!  When was the last time you cleaned it?  Sitting on your bike, sweating, on a trainer, can be really hard on the bike.  Do it a favor, clean it!

Running gear:  Inspect cables, and lube them.  If there is any rust, replace the cables and housings now.  While you’re at it, a bit of lubrication on brake and derailler pivots just might be in order.

Outdoors Riders

Tires:  You won’t have the same wear patterns that trainer work causes, but your tires are probably getting a bit sketchy.  Check them over now.  Look for cuts, wear, and dry rot.

Chain:  Your s needs to be cleaned and lubed much more frequently.  It’s been wet out.  You’ve picked up a lot of “gunk” and exposed the chain to a lot of water.  Clean it.  Inspect it for wear.  Lubricate.

Frame:  When was the last time you really cleaned your bike?  For that matter, if you’ve been riding it outside all Winter long, it’s probably time to get it into the shop for a major tune up.

Running gear:  Cables?  Look for rust and fraying.  Do the brakes pivot smoothly?  Have you been experiencing any shifting problems?  It just might be time to get something done about that.

Tomorrow:  Shifting issues.