The weather is slowly turning nice and it’s about time you hit the road for your first training ride of the season. But are you have some issues getting your bike ready? Here are five solutions to help you repair common maintenance problems:
If the holes in the tube are on the bottom, the rim strip may be out of position, allowing the tube to get cut by the spokes. If they're on the top, there may be some small sharp object stuck in the tire. Find it by running your fingers lightly around the inside of the tire, then remove it.
Frequent pinch flats.
Put more air in your tires.
A remounted tire won’t sit right on the rim.
Let the air out, wiggle the bad spot around, reinflate to about 30 psi, and roll the bad spot into place with your hands. By pushing the tire in toward the middle of the rim you will be able to see if any of the tube is poking out. When the tube is fully inside the tire, inflate as normal.
A patch won’t stick to the glue on the tube.
Apply more glue and let it dry completely--about five minutes. (Don't blow on the glue to try to make it dry faster--this can leave moisture from your breath on it, which hinders adhesion.) When you apply the patch, avoid touching its sticky side with your fingers.
Creaking sound from the wheels.
A spoke may have loosened. If tension is uniform, the sound might be caused by a slight motion of the spokes against each other where they cross. Lightly lube this junction, wiping off the excess.
Not handy when it comes to bike maintenance? Don’t worry! MS Friendly Bike Shops offer free inspections to all participants of the RONA MS Bike Tour.
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