| After racing around carefree on your bike all summer | | | | this is washed it will also need to be checked and |
| long, Autumn may be the time to take a step back | | | | lubricated to ensure it is kept in top condition. One of |
| and have a look at the condition it is left in. During the | | | | the most common problems with the drive system is |
| summer, many cyclists tend to use their bike far more | | | | that bearings can get worn and therefore will need |
| than they would during the winter months and | | | | replacing. If you do have worn bearings you will need |
| therefore have probably have put it through its paces. | | | | to replace the bottom bracket. |
| Now that the temperature is starting to cool and it will | | | | Checking the breaks is vital to ensure there has been |
| be used less, is the perfect opportunity to give your | | | | no lasting damage or extensive wear and tear. You |
| bike a good going over. | | | | brakes are possibly the most important safety feature |
| First things first you should look to clean every | | | | on your bike and during the wetter Autumn months, will |
| component of your bike. Whether you are looking to | | | | be vital. Whether you have a Trek bike or a Raleigh, |
| put it away for the winter or continue riding, it is always | | | | you will need to take special precautions around the |
| good to remove any lasting dirt and grime. By taking | | | | brakes as cables can get damaged and go unnoticed |
| your bike apart are carefully cleaning each part, you | | | | for a while. You need to ensure that you have |
| will both maintain the look of the bike and the | | | | checked every cable closely to make sure there is no |
| performance. If you are not familiar with doing this it is | | | | noticeable damage. If you have disc brakes you need |
| best to research the best way to clean each | | | | to look down into the disc caliper and check both |
| component before taking it apart. Most parts on a bike | | | | brake pads move equally to clamp the rotor. |
| can be cleaned using soapy water and a toothbrush is | | | | One final thing to ensure is working correctly are the |
| usually a good idea to get into the nooks difficult to | | | | lights on your bike. When the Autumn arrives the |
| reach, however there may be manufacturers | | | | daylight hours start to shorten and therefore you will |
| recommendations with expert bikes such as | | | | find yourself using your lights more and more. It is highly |
| Specialized bikes or Cannondale Bikes. | | | | dangerous to cycle without lights on especially at dusk |
| The most important area to pay attention to when | | | | and night as drivers will be unaware of your presence |
| cleaning would be the drive system. This can also be | | | | and may end up harming you. Before continuing riding, it |
| cleaned using a brush and some soapy water. It is a | | | | is highly recommended to replace any batteries and |
| good idea to push the pedals round in order to easily | | | | securely fix both front and back lights. |
| reach both the rear derailleur and the chain ring. Once | | | | |