League of American Bicyclists tools for the road
1. Know your ability
Take tools for work that you can perform
Try to fix things if you are sure that you can improve how they work.
Do not depend on others for your mechanical needs.
2. Know your bike
Maintain your bike or let a bike shop do it for you; twice a year for heavy use.
Catch problems before they happen on the road with regular inspections.
If you have hard to find items on your bike, stock up when you can.
3. Know your ride
If you are going to be far from civilization, prepare with extra tools or parts.
For short rides, you might not carry any tools if you don’t mind walking.
Urban areas may have more glass in the roadway; bring patches and a tube.
4. Know your tools
Tire levers, tube, pump and patch kit for flats.
Allen wrenches, chain tool and screwdriver for mechanicals.
Understand which tools are needed for your bike; tools don’t fix things, people do.
5. Know your options
If you carry a phone for emergencies, make sure you have reception on your ride.
First aid can be an important part of a tool kit; know how to use it.
Stop to help others, but only attempt to fix what you know you can.
--------------------
Five Rivers MetroParks’ Bike for the Health of It series
Weekly bike rides held Saturday mornings, rain or shine. Participants will learn basic bicycle maintenance tips and earn awards for reaching 125 and 250-mile goals.
For information, call (937) 277-4823 or go online to www.metroparks.org.
Location/dates
(All rides scheduled for 9-11 a.m.)
■ Wolf Creek Bikeway (meet in lot behind Rob’s Restaurant, Brookville) April 7, April 14, May 19.
■ Creekside Bikeway (Eastwood MetroPark, Harshman Road) April 21, May 26
■ Mad River Bikeway (Eastwood MetroPark, Harshman Road) April 28
■ Great Miami River Bikeway (Meet at Rip Rap Park) May 5
■ Stillwater River Bikeway (Englewood MetroPark, East National Road) May 12
Warm spring days and sunny skies — perfect for a bike ride.
But before you hit the road for the season, it’s important to give your bike a little TLC.
“Maintenance is very important because a properly functioning bike is safer and you will enjoy riding it more,” said Chris Tegtmeyer, manager at the Kettering Bike Shop.
And while avid riders put more miles on their bike, casual riders also need to perform basic maintenance even if their bike rides are few and far between.
“Things like tires can deteriorate over time, even if you don’t ride often,” said Dan Sahli, Five Rivers MetroParks outdoor coordinator and cycling specialist.
So before you head out to area trails, spend some time making sure your bike is road-ready.
THE BASICS
A basic bike tune-up doesn’t take an expert.
Dust and grime can affect bicycle performance so cleaning the frame is a good starting point. Checking the tires for wear and tear and making sure there is proper pressure should be among the first few tasks that need to be completed.
“Under-inflated tires are the No. 1 cause of flat tires,” Tegtmeyer said.
And advance planning can be critical.
“You should probably do this a day before you want to ride to see if the tires are still full the next day,” Sahli said. “You don’t want to be on a ride and realize they aren’t holding air.”
Beyond the tires, Tegtmeyer suggests checking the brakes and gears to make sure they are functioning properly and make adjustments as needed. Chains will also likely need to be lubricated.
Most of these minor maintenance tasks require little as far as supplies. An air pump with a gauge can be purchased for $35 or less, and lubricant is likely less than $10.
“It might cost a little initially but it will save the bike in the long run,” Tegtmeyer said.
For those who would rather leave it to the professionals, bike shops offer a variety of tune-up packages. At the Kettering Bike Shop, tune-ups start at $45. But if you want to be on the road soon, you better get your bike to the shop ASAP, as they will get busier as it gets closer to summer.
THE FUN
Once your bike is cleaned up and tuned up, there are plenty of opportunities to get out and ride.
There are approximately 330 miles of trails in the Miami Valley’s regional bikeway system. The network of trails stretches from Urbana to Loveland and many points in between.
MetroParks programs such as the Bike for the Health of It Series offer organized weekly group rides on a variety of local trails from April through October.
“Anyone can come to those. There’s a basic meeting spot, and it’s great for trail orientation,” Sahli said. “You can drop in for one or religiously go to every one. It’s a great way to get started biking.”
The RiverScape MetroPark Bike Hub, which has lockers and concessions for added convenience, can also be a good starting point for a bike riding adventure.
With so much to see and do, it might just be time to dust off, tune-up and hop on your bike.
About the Author