TIME FOR SOME BICYCLE SPRING CLEANING.

Contributed by Amy Fleming, Terry Merchandise Coordinating Star

Spring Has Sprung!!  Well, almost… and that means it’s time to get your bike and equipment tuned up and ready to ride.

Spring is in the air; you can feel the sun is getting stronger and the days are getting longer.  Covid-19 made last year so difficult with the future so uncertain, but one thing is for certain… riding your bike will make you feel better.  Get the wind blowing in your face and feel the sun upon your skin.  Time to get out of the house and get some fresh air.

The best way to get your mind thinking forward is to start getting your equipment checked, updated if needed, and ready for the roads and trails. 

Here’s a quick bicycle spring cleaning checklist:

• Wash. It’s time to get rid of any leftover dirt and debris from last Fall that’s been caked onto your bike all winter.
• Tire Rims.  Even though your rims are barely noticeable, they have a huge impact on the performance of your bike.
• Clean your chain and cranks.
• Clean all nooks and crannies.  Make sure to get into even the tightest spots.
• Lubricate correctly.

No need to head to your local bike tune-up shop for this, with a little help it can all be done at home. Here’s a simple video to show you the best way to clean your bike:

Check out this post for a few more bicycle spring cleaning tips.

Some helpful tools for bicycle spring cleaning

Park Tool is one of the top leaders in bike cleaning products to assist you at home to do-it-yourself.  One of the best inventions ever was the chain scrubber.  This tool features a super tough die-cast aluminum case and handle plus a unique brush/sponge replacement cartridge that makes it easy to keep it running smoothly and working properly. What used to be a very messy chore is now a breeze with the assistance of the Professional Chain Scrubber. Watch the video below to see how easy this is to operate.

Bio Chainbrite, made specifically to clean your chain and drivetrain, is an all-purpose, plant-based, 100% biodegradable degreaser. It’s perfect to use with the Professional Chain Scrubber and/or basic brushes. This gentle but tough cleaner will not harm alloy, plastic, rubber or carbon fiber parts. It’s as easy as covering parts in solvent and scrub using a brush.

Find these handy bike cleaning tools here

This specialized brush set by Park Tool is super handy too – it includes some unusual shapes that will let you get just the right amount of elbow grease into every awkward nook and cranny on your bike.

Keeping your bike clean not only makes it look great, it will help it last longer and perform at its best.

When spring cleaning turns to spring tuning

When you’re cleaning your bike you’ll be looking closer than you usually do – it’s the best time to check that there aren’t any mechanical problems that need to be addressed. Here are some tips to help you evaluate while you clean – this post gives some pointers to fix simple maintenance issues, and when to take your bike to your trusty local bike shop to take care of tougher mechanical issues: 6 Essential Spring Bicycle Maintenance Tips.

Get that cleaning and maintenance taken care of now, so when those first wonderful days of warm sunshine finally arrive you’ll be ready to roll!