Bike maintenance guide: it's as easy as a-b-c-d-E!

The air pressure in your tires not only affects the ride quality & handling of your bike, incorrect tire pressure can increase your chances of getting a flat, and can make your bike unsafe to ride. The recommended tire pressure range is printed on the sidewall of the tire, and unless you are an experienced rider & have a preference in that range, it's best to set your pressure in the middle of the range. Having a good quality pump with a pressure gauge will help you make sure your tires are set to the correct pressure & your bike is safe to ride.

It goes without saying that your brakes are probably the most important safety feature on your bike. Brakes come in 3 general styles: Coaster Brakes (pedal backwards), Rim Brakes (pads on outer wall of rims), and Disc Brakes (rotor/disc in center of wheel). Coaster Brakes require occasional servicing of the rear hub, while Rim & Disc Brakes have pads that need to be replaced periodically. Always check the function of your brakes before you set out on your ride, and call Monster Joes to check your brake system regularly.

Your chain is a critical part of the "link" that transfers your energy into forward motion. A chain is made up of many moving parts & the condition of your chain directly affects the function & efficiency of your drivetrain. A dirty or dry chain not only creates excess friction which makes it harder to pedal, it wears out faster & will wear out out the other, more expensive components in your drivetrain. Check your chain before each ride & apply a quality chain lube as needed., or call Monster Joes for a drivetrain clean & lube service.

Bikes with gears have derailleurs, which are mechanical devices that guide the chain onto the different gears when you shift. Derailleurs need to be adjusted periodically to ensure the alignment of the gears. Improperly adjusted derailleurs make it difficult to shift, can make the gears shift unexpectedly, and can cause the chain to jump off the gears. Check the function of your derailleurs & shifting before you ride, & call Monster Joes when it's time for derailluer adjustments.

In addition to A-B-C-D, it's important to do a quick safety check of Everything Else before your ride. In addition to a visual inspection looking for obvious signs of damage like dents or damage to the frame & fork, check to make sure the handlebars, seat, pedals, & wheels are not loose or damaged. If you see any obvious signs of damage, call Monster Joes. We'll inspect your bike & provide you with an estimate to get your bike safe & ready to ride!