What You Need for DIY Bike Tuneup + A Free Online Clinic!
Depending on where you live right now, you’re really feeling the impact of efforts to contain the Coronavirus. I’m in Atlanta and the situation is rapidly unfolding. As of today, we can still go out and ride bikes, my bike shop is open but only for one customer at a time and they are keeping the doors locked. They could close tomorrow. I’ve learned some things about taking care of my bike over the years, but now it seems like a really good time to know some bike basics so I can keep riding no matter what happens with local businesses for a few weeks.
Since we aren’t doing any in-person events or clinics right now, we’re taking it online! This Thursday at 6:00 pm EST we’ll offer our first online spring bike check over clinic live in our Facebook group. It will be led by Johanna from East Coast Bicycles in Norfolk, VA. We’ll also be recording it on Zoom so if you don’t use Facebook or don’t want to join the group, you can have the replay sent to you. (Also if you’re a dude - sorry, the Facebook group is ladies only but am happy to send you the info!)
Here are some items you will want to have on hand to do basic bike maintenance. If you can, please go support your local bike shop but if not, I’ve included links to Amazon.
Metric Allen Wrench Set - I like the ones that fold in because I can throw them in my bike bag but you may already have a set of long ones at your house.
15 mm Pedal Wrench - I rarely change out my pedals but a handful of times I’ve needed to and really wished I had this.
A Phillips Head Screwdriver - most of us have this sitting around the house.
A chain checker - This will tell you if your chain is worn out and needs to be replaced.
Other things you’ll want:
A Rag - old t-shirts work really well here. You don’t want something with a lot of fibers that will get snagged on anything
Chain Lube - there are lots of options here but make sure you always have this in your at-home kit.
Replacement tubes for your bike tires and a set of levers - you should always have this on a ride, even if you go tubeless. The tube is dependent on your tire size. For your mobile kit, CO2 and an adapter and of course a pump. Amazon has some great little kits that have Allen wrenches, the tire levers, adapters and even a little bag to tuck it all under your bike.
If you ride tubless, a sealant is good to have.
A bike stand always makes things easier but there are other hacks. I usually prop mine on my front porch
Degreaser (Dawn DIshwashing soap is an option) and a bucket to clean your bike after dirty rides