Getting around by bike is good for the environment, your wallet and your health. Today, there is a wide range of bicycles and many different variants to choose from. Are you looking for a lightweight bike that gets you around quickly? Then a slim racing bike is a good choice. If, on the other hand, you’re looking for a little pedaling assistance on the uphills, you can let the electric bike do the work for you. Or do you have a lot to carry and want to be able to bring both groceries and children? Then it’s time to invest in a classic box bike.
Whatever way you choose to get around, it’s a good idea to look after your bike and give it some attention every now and then. With the help of the cycling pros at Old Town Bike, we’ve found out how to make your bike last year after year and how to avoid common faults.
Buying a second-hand bike, what should I consider?
– When you buy a second-hand bike , you should ideally have a receipt. If not, it is important that the frame number can be read on the frame itself. In addition, the condition should reflect the age of the bike, that is, older bikes have more patina and wear and tear, and many people can accept that. Then, of course, you should also keep in mind that price and condition are related,” says Martin Fredberg at Gamla Stans cykel.
What makes a good quality second-hand bike?
– All bikes have screws and parts that can rust or oxidize, especially if the bike is left outside all year round. It is something that all bicycles are damaged by. On the other hand, cheaper bikes rust faster as the rust protection is often poorer. The parts of a good quality bike should withstand being used every day and the bike usually has better precision in terms of gears and brakes, as well as more torsionally rigid wheels and frame. Another characteristic is that the tires are of good quality and have good puncture protection.
How do I fix my bike for the season?
– Wipe or rinse the bike with warm water and a little washing-up liquid. It’s best to wash the whole bike except the chain and sprocket. Wipe those parts last, so you don’t get grease and oil on the rest of the bike. Then make sure you get all the oil, grease and dirt off the chain before you oil it. Also, check how tight the chain is and make sure it’s not too tight. A well-functioning chain should be able to move about one to two centimeters in height. It’s also a good idea to check that everything is in place before use,” says Martin Fredberg.
The checklist you should have in mind for a safe bike ride:
- Feel that everything is in place and that nothing is loose.
- Check that the brake pads are not worn out.
- Adjust the brakes so that they grip as well as possible.
- Make sure that the gears are correctly adjusted. Hub gears (3-11) have a marking that allows you to see if the gear cable has the correct tension. Remember that surface-mounted gears may need to be checked by a professional.
- Inflate your tires to the correct pressure. You can often see the min/max pressure information on the side of the tire.
- Once you have inflated, you can check for cracks and, if necessary, change the tire.
If the e-bike malfunctions, what is a common fault?
– The most common case is simply that the battery has been discharged for a long time. This usually means that the cells in the battery have been damaged and there is a risk that the entire battery will need to be replaced. Another reason may be that there has been a cable break between the engine and the control unit, which usually needs to be investigated by a professional.
Text: Amanda Blennborn, freelance journalist
