Intro to Bike Maintenance

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A person removing the rear wheel of a bicycle.

Your two-wheeled steed gives you a fun way to exercise, helps you run errands and spends quality time with you outdoors. For your trusty bike to stay in good working order, you need to occasionally return that love. In this class, you’ll learn the basics of bike maintenance so you can keep your bike in great shape for many years. We’ll cover everything from a routine pre-ride inspection to how to keep your drivetrain clean, lubricated and humming along.

Watch the full class video, or dive into specific topics in the chapters below. To play along at home, you’ll need a few basic tools, many of which may already be in your tool kit.

 

Intro to Bike Maintenance: Full Class Video

 

Additional Resources:

 

Downloadable PDF:

A graphic showing basic bike tools

 

Shopping Resources:

Bike Tools 

Bike Repair Stands 

 

 

Chapter 1: Parts of a Bike

 

In this chapter, you’ll learn:

  • Anatomy of a bike
  • Bike terminology
  • How the parts work together
 

Downloadable PDF:

A graphic showing different parts of a bike

 

Downloadable PDF:

Graphic: Valves, Brakes and Axles

 

 

Chapter 2: Pre-Ride Inspection

 

In this chapter, you’ll learn:

  • How to properly inflate your tires
  • How to do a simple brake test
  • How to check your drivetrain
  • How to check your wheel quick-releases
 

Downloadable PDF:

A graphic showing the ABCs of a pre-ride inspection

 

Additional Reading:

 

Shopping Resources:

Bike Pumps


 

Chapter 3: How to Fix a Flat Tire

 

In this chapter, you’ll learn:

  • How to take the wheel off your bike
  • How to remove the tire and tube from the rim
  • How to find the source of the flat
  • How to install the tire and a new tube back onto the rim
  • How to reinstall the wheel on your bike
 

Downloadable PDF:

A graphic showing step-by-step instructions for fixing a flat bike tire

 

Additional Reading:

 

Shopping Resources:

Bike Tubes


 

Chapter 4: Drivetrain Maintenance

 

In this chapter, you’ll learn:

  • How to check the chain and drivetrain parts for wear
  • How to do a basic drivetrain clean and lube
  • How and when to do a major clean and lube
 

Additional Reading:

 

Shopping Resources:

Bike Lubes and Cleaners