5 easy fixes you can do from Silber Pro Cycling’s mechanic

by Dominic Cantin

With the cycling world getting more and more more high-tech, it is important to have a local shop mechanic that you trust for servicing your bike. Unfortunately that expert isn’t always riding with you when things go wrong with your bike. You still need to know some basic maintenance to keep things running smoothly. Here are five fixes you should know to keep you riding.

Fix flats

The most common bike repair on the road is a flat tire. Be prepared at all times with a tube, tire levers, CO2 inflator or mini-pump. Before you begin your fix, make sure you inspect your tire by sliding your finger inside it to see if there is any glass, metal or any other sharp object. Then, put in a new tube’s valve in place in the wheel and inflate the tube a bit. Put the tube into the tire before setting it on the rim. This method will prevent pinch flats and make it easier to place the last tire side on the rim. It is also good to carry a small piece of strong paper to put in between tire and tube if the tire has a large slice in it. A five dollar bill works, as does an old race number cut down to size.

Keep brakes at their best

You need to keep your brakes in top shape. You’ll need them if a car cuts in front of you or if you need to scrub some speed on a long descent. An old brake pad that’s been stopping an aluminum rim will have some aluminum residue stuck in the rubber. This residue will keep the pad from working at its best and can even damage the rim. You can file off the gunk if the pad is still thick. If the pad is thin, replace it by unscrewing the bolts and pulling the pad off the caliper. The same applies for pads on carbon rims; don’t wait until the pad gets too thin or scarred. Once the new pad is in the caliper, align it by centring it with your hand or 13-mm wrench.

Make the chain silent and smooth

Does your chain chirp like a bird? You need to clean and lube your drivetrain. Simply use a general degreaser to wash your chain, cogs and chainring using a dish brush. While you’re at it, you might as well wash the frame and wheels with a sponge and a bucket filled with water and dish soap. Rinse off everything and apply some chain lube. It is important that the lube goes in the chain and not all over the place. Wipe the excess lube with a rag.

Dial in precise shifting

Are your gears skipping? If they are, don’t be discouraged. Most of the time, you only need to adjust the tension of the rear derailleur cable. You can try to put some tension on the cable by unscrewing or screwing the barrel adjuster. If the skipping only happens on the largest or smallest cogs, you should check the limit screws and adjust them accordingly. If your chain is rubbing on the front derailleur, use its barrel adjuster, which is usually located at the cable housing extending from the left brake/shift lever.

Maintain your fit

Ever hit a bump and realize seconds later that your handlebar or seatpost dropped? Always carry a multi-tool with you while riding to readjust components that can slip. It is also handy if you need to modify your adjustments or fit on the road.