Transport for LondonMaintain your bike
Top 10 tips
- Pump up your tyres until they are too hard to squeeze. This will make cycling easier and faster, and you will reduce the risk of punctures
- Have a quick look at your tyres - replace worn or damaged tyres to avoid getting punctures
- Check your brakes - they should stop the wheel fully when you have pulled the lever only part of the way to the handlebars
- Check that your brakes don't rub against the rim of the wheel - this will slow you down and make cycling harder
- Oil your chain - if it squeaks or is brown it needs some oil. A properly oiled chain will help your gears shift smoothly
- Your bike should be pretty much silent - squeaks, rattles and scraping noises suggest that something may be in need of attention
- Prolong your bike's life by keeping it under cover
- Get your seat at the right height - having it too low will make cycling hard work and may make your knees sore
- Make sure your gears change smoothly - you may need to get some help to adjust them
- Turn your bike upside down and check your wheels spin smoothly and sit securely in the sockets. If the wheel wobbles or doesn't look like a perfect circle then you need expert advice
Read more about bicycle maintenance
Maintenance courses
Contact Bike for All and the London Cycling Campaign for advice about cycle maintenance and courses.
Local cycle shops
You can get details of cycle shops in your area from Bike for All and the Association of Cycle Traders.
One of the joys of my ride home is the way you reconnect with the seasons.
