Spring Cleaning for Your Bicycle

It’s been a long, hard winter in New Jersey, and we’re not quite out of it yet, but spring is right around the corner. Do you know what that means? Spring cleaning! And what better place to start than with your two-wheeler?

Take a look at the chain. If you didn’t do routine maintenance this winter due to the freezing temperatures and constant storms in our state, you’re forgiven. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for bike chains to rust and corrode when they sit idle for too long. Try wiping off the rust first, but if that doesn’t solve the problem, you’re probably going to have to invest in a new chain. Opt for one that’s designed for the number of gears on your bike and your brand of drivetrain.

Let your bike get its bearings. Many NJ cyclists rush out to replace hub and bottom-bracket bearings because they seize up the first time they ride in the spring, but this isn’t often necessary. Try taking a short ride or two and see if that helps to break them in before spending money.

Replace handlebar wrap. Handlebar wrap can be a godsend to riders in New Jersey, especially in the cooler months of spring, but if you used the same wrap for all of last year, there’s a good chance that it’s both dirty and wearing out. Now is a great time to replace the wrap that’s currently on your handlebars with one made from Microtex fiber. Not only is it incredibly durable, it does a good job of hiding any dirt.

Fix shifting problems. You don’t want to be riding on a bike that isn’t shifting correctly, so if you notice an issue, correct it immediately. Don’t jump to conclusions and assume it’s the derailleurs or shifters, either. Oftentimes cables and tubing can become covered in grime, corrode, or stretch, and this causes problems when shifting gears.

Before spending your hard-earned money on any repair, ask one of our Hart’s Cyclery experts to take a look at your bike and diagnose the problem first. We’ll help guide you to the most efficient and cost-effective solution.

Since 1988, Ross Hart has owned and operated Hart’s Cyclery in Pennington, NJ. The bike store sells and services the finest brands in the world, including Giant and Cannondale. We provide personalized customer service, taking the time to understand your needs, lifestyle, and athletic style. The focus is ensuring you discover the right bike and the right fit – for the best cycling experience possible.

The next time you visit, check out our newest addition: the GURU Dynamic Fit. The computerized robotic assisted system has revolutionized road bike fitting, and we’re the only shop in the area that offers the service.