When the weather warms up and the ice, snow, and salt are gone from the roads and trails, it's time to get back on your bikes! If your family's bicycles have been in storage all winter, you should tune up each bike for spring. Your local bike shop will do this for you for $35 to $60, or you can do it yourself. Some communities offer how-to sessions—check with parks and rec departments, community colleges, and bicycling clubs. A typical spring bike tune-up means:
- Clean the bike thoroughly, using a brush and a damp cloth (not too much water). As you go over all the parts of the bike, check everything for wear and tear.
- Inspect the brake pads. They should be evenly worn and smooth, not hard. Most will have grooves or marks on them to indicate when they need to be replaced. Squeeze the brakes a few times to make sure they are functioning well.
- Tighten any loose bolts or screws.
- Spin the pedals and wheels (with the rear wheel elevated) to see if they are true (not wobbly). Also check each gear. If it's difficult to shift from one gear to the next, you may need a new chain or derailleur.
- Lubricate the chain.
- Inflate the tires (after inspecting them for splits, tears, or bubbles). They should be firm but not close to bursting.
If your inspection and bike tune-up turns up any problems, have it serviced at a bicycle shop before you ride it (or your child does).
