Give your bike a healthcheck

Save time and money, and avoid accidents and injuries

Keep your bike in good shape

Making sure your bike is in good condition and that it’s well maintained can save not only time and money but can also help avoid accidents and injuries while you are cycling. Your local bike shop will be able to help, or you can follow our top tips for maintaining your bike:

Tyres. Make sure your tyres are properly pumped up. If there isn’t enough air in the tyres it will be slower and more difficult to cycle and you’re more likely to get a puncture. Check for cracked, gouged or worn rubber or fragments such as stones, glass and thorns in the treads and edges of your tyres as these can cause punctures.

Wheels. Wheels should spin without rubbing or wobbling. If they rub, check for uneven brakes, rubbing mudguards or unevenly placed wheels. Make sure your wheels are securely fastened.

Brakes. Squeeze each brake lever in turn to ensure they apply enough pressure to lock the wheel and stop your bike. Your brakes should start working as soon as you pull the lever – if you have to pull halfway toward the handle bars before they start working you need to tighten the brake cable. Make sure your brake pads aren’t worn right down and that they only connect with the rims of the wheels when you pull the brake – pads touching the tyres can cause damage and lead to potential accidents.

Chain and gear. Keep your bike chain and gears well oiled and not clogged with mud or grime to ensure smooth, slip free changes. A squeaky chain is a sure sign that oil is needed. The chain should run cleanly through front and rear sprockets (the wheel with “teeth” that the chain runs around).

More advice about cycle maintenance and maintenance courses are available from Bike For All and the London Cycling Campaign. If you are unsure whether or not your bike is roadworthy take it to your local bike shop for a check.