For those of us who put our bikes away for winter, it's time to dust them off and ready to ride. When bringing a bike storage, a mini tune-up is necessary. The emphasis on the following four areas: chain, derailleur components, brakes and wheels.

Chain ~ ~ ~ ~

If you used an oil based lubricant, consider switching to a product made of wax. The only advantage of an oil-based lubricant is that it should be used less frequently, butevery other way, it is based is superior. For instance, oil collects trail dust and other things abrasive to the chain, while the launch abrasives. A recommended wax-based lube is White Lightning.

If you use oil-based lubricant in the chain, if you want to switch to wax or not, remove the chain and clean it with a solvent to remove grease before adding the new lubricant. Depending on driving conditions typical of a solvent to degrease the chain needs to be done onceyears at a minimum.

Derailleur Components ~ ~ ~ ~

Butter, using a good oil-based lubricant fulcrum. I use Tri-Flow. Next, grease and adjust the derailleur cables, which can be stretched during the winter. Turns customization is so cool.

Brakes ~ ~ ~ ~

Again, the abbreviation of cables. Use oil or wax-based lubricant, depending on how dusty the expected typical riding conditions will be. Adjust the cables, which would also have stretched overwinter.

Check bearings rubber: there is not enough to make the printing plate on the rims evenly? If the use of liquid-brakes, the control of the liquid in the tank.

Wiele ~ ~ ~ ~

Turn the wheel slowly checking for real. The wheel should not swing at all. If falters a bit, 'and you have the tools and skills, you can make small adjustments using a spoke wrench. But if there is substantial staggering, take the wheel of a shop and have a profession wherewheels.

Check the tire pressure, which is intended to be low after a winter storage. Blow the manufacturer's recommendations printed on the deck.

Now give the bike a once-over. Is the seat adjustment still a good game? There is excessive play or tightness in the bearings of the wheels, cranks, pedals, and headset? Addition, full suspension bikes, check the suspension joints.

From now on, you will be able to determine whether it is time for an important reason-ups. Itcan vary from a few adjustments to cleaning and / or replacement of parts. Opinions differ on how often an important reason-up is necessary. Depends on how you drive and how much maintenance is done.

If you make the main melody-up yourself or your bike in a bike shop, predictable, every now and then the next maintenance is required for optimum performance and safety: repacking bearings and adjusting wheel axles, headset, bottom bracket and pedals; Replacementcables; centering wheels, making overall adjustments, such as the gearbox and brakes.