Mountain Biking Guide

If you do not ride in winter, you have potentially spent the winter months on the settee eating chips and watching TV. Before you know it, spring will be here and a new season of mountain biking will start. Although your body won't be in shape, these tips will make sure that your cycle is. Before you're taking your cycle out, check the wear on your elements and adjust them if its obligatory.


Start off with your chain. If you have not replaced it in a year or longer, it is time to do so. Over time, the individual parts in the chain will get worn out, skyrocketing its effective length. As this occurs, the chain isn't ready to comply with the part and the teeth of the chain ring, so it wears those teeth out to fit the profile of the chain.

If you can replace the chain before it stretches too much you may protect yourself from having to replace high priced parts and chain rings.

Now, check the bearing surfaces. These include your bottom bracket, centers, and the headset. Each of these should turn without a difficulty with no play in the system.

Before checking the bottom bracket, ensure each cranking arm is snugged tight. Next, hold on to the crank arm ( not the pedal ) and wobble it forwards and backwards. If you hear any clicking or if the crank arm ties, the bottom bracket must be altered. Do the precise same thing with your centers. Take the wheels off the bike, spin the center spindles, then feel for any free play or binding. If you are feeling play or binding, you must make an adjustment. To test the headset, start by putting the newly changed wheels back on the bike.

Now, grab the front brake and pull and push the handle bars backwards and forwards. There should not be any play. If you lift the front end off the ground, the fork should turn very smoothly. If it feels coarse, it has to be either changed or replaced. While your looking, check the condition of your cables and housing. The cables should be rust free and the housing should not be cracked or kinked. If you see any of this you need to replace the offending device, as if you do not your shifting and braking will be slow.


Last, you must check your brake pads. Most pads will have ridges or indicator marks that may let you know when they have to get replaced. Brake pads that are worn out will comprimise both safety and braking potency. Once you have the tune ups out of the way, it's time to go for a ride. With your mountain bike running better than ever, all you have got to do now is have fun!