BPC blog spot

Look familiar?  Like many a bike hanging for a while in a shed or garage, a little tender loving care is just what the bike doctor orders before you take it for a spin around the block. 

Hauling it off the hooks is the first step.  Clearing all the cobwebs is next.  Then what?  How do you know if your bike is ready to ride?  The "ABC Quick Check" for Air, Brakes and Chain is a great way to start. 
Air :  Proper air pressure is important to extend the life of your tires.  Measured in "psi" - pounds per square inch - the sidewall on a tire shows the recommended air pressure. On most bikes both tires will require the same pressure, but check each sidewall to be sure.  Too high a pressure and your ride can feel really bumpy and rough.  Too low a pressure and a "pinch flat" can occur.  If you ride over a sharp object - edge of a pothole, train rail, pointed rock - and the tube gets pinched between the tire and the wheel rim, you can get a pinch flat.  Its telltale mark is two small holes resembling a snakebite in the tube.

Brakes:  Except for old-fashioned coaster brakes, most bikes come with hand brakes involving squeeze handles (right for rear, left for front), cabling and rim brake pads.  (Disc brakes are another topic.)  Check that the handles are aligned with the handlebars and are fastened tightly.  You should not have to squeeze hard to feel the brakes do their work.  The cable should not show signs of rust or wear and should move within the plastic cable tubing as you squeeze the brake handles.  Finally, rim brake pads, usually hard rubber inserts, should show some original indentation to be effective.  If they are worn down, it's time for new ones.

Chain: Rusty chains or dry chains should be lubed.  As a kid, I just added dad's good old 3-in-1 oil along the length of the chain.  Now an entire school of thought has arisen about chain lubing.  Some argue that a dry lube is best since a wet lube tends to pick up dust and dirt over time.  (An entire blog can be devoted to dry vs wet.)  No matter what side you fall on, keep your chain lubed so it does not go dry or rust.

The "Quick" refers to  quick-release hubs, a replacement for axle nuts and bolts.  These hubs make it easy to remove a wheel or hold it in place without the need for a bolt wrench.  Keep them tightened for safety.

Finally, do a "Check" on your bike for any loose parts.  Left the frame 2 inches off the ground and then let it drop.  If you hear any rattles, check them out.  You might need to tighten a screw or a seat post or some other item not obvious to the naked eye.