Spring is on the way, and if like me you are a warmer weather cyclist, you must be raring to go rolling down the road on your favourite cycle. Yes, it is time to get preparing your tricycle after winter storage.
We have some very useful tips that will smoothen your ride at the same time keep you safe and comfortable. But before that, it is important to know how to store or safeguard your cycle during the winters.
Did you store your bike carefully?
Let us revise some of the points that you should keep in mind before putting that bike away for winter.
- Inflated tires- Tires will be damaged if the tire pressure is not checked before storage. This is important even if the bike is going in storage for a few months.
- Safe storage- away from the vagaries of winter and snow
- Clean dust free frame
- Lubricate cables to avoid rusting
- Cover it to prevent dust accumulation. In case the storage area is not fully closed, it is all the more important to pay attention to this aspect.
- Get repairs like the alignment of wheels, their spin, and handlebars, etc. done.
- Clean the chain
If you follow these points before storing it for winter, it will be convenient for you to take the cycle out without any hassles during the spring or summer.
Here are some of the things that you must pay attention to when preparing your tricycle after winter storage
- Inspect the bike: The first thing is to take the bike out carefully. Please keep it in an open area and inspect it carefully. Dust it off once with a soft cloth, this will also help you look for any unusual bend or crack in the frame. Assess the condition of tires, seats, rims, pedals, and spokes.Check the frame and metal parts for signs of rust or erosion.
- Wash Once: Wash the cycle once to make it look clean and shiny. Alternatively, wipe with a soft, damp cloth, this will also highlight any cracks or scratches that you can take care of immediately.
- Check the tires: Check the tire pressure. Even if you had kept the cycle with inflated tires, they would lose air pressure. This is common if the bike is in storage for a long time. Follow the instructions given by the company. Ensure the tires are not overinflated, this will also allow you to check if there has been any damage to the tires. A good quality air pump or an electric pump can help you if there is a proper gauge attached to read the pressure level.
- Wheel spokes: These are an integral part of the bike. Spokes help the wheels in their movement also keep them aligned. They keep the wheels straight; so make sure you tighten the spokes using the right tools. Check for any bent or misaligned spokes. Repair immediately instead of using the bike. You must check the spokes frequently to prevent a major repair.
- Seat Inspection: Even if you stored the bike with all the care, you might find the seat cover in bad condition. The springs jutting out will make it for a very uncomfortable ride. Repair the protruding springs, change the seat cover if needed and tighten the seat so that it does not come off or make you fall. It should be comfortable and not tilting to any side.
- Brakes: These are critical to making the ride safe. The brakes should not be stuck or too tight to apply when required. When you apply brakes, the wheels and their motion should stop completely. Note here the wheels should not stop giving you a jerk or nor should they drag the wheel. The brake levers must work well with the brake pads on both wheels. Inspect the Barrel adjuster in detail if the lever or brakes are taking too long to apply. Inspect the brake cable. If there are wear and tear marks, then change the cable. After all, your safety depends on the efficient working of the brakes.
- Brake Pads are important: An extension of the same step is checking the brake pads carefully. You will find these brake pads near the rims of the wheel. When you press the brake levers, the pads stop the motion of the wheels. Check the pads a few times, these should press against the rim when used. Replace any worn brake pads before riding the bike. You need to check the cable to ensure that the distance between the rim of the wheels and brake pads is adequate.
- The bike chain: It is the part that maintains the momentum between the two wheels. The tension in the chain should ensure that the top chain does not move more than ¼ to ½ inch when you press it down. A loose chain will come off while riding. This may derail your ride at any time. On the other hand, a very tight chain will bind the gears too tightly. The gears may get damaged if they cannot move freely and are constricted. You can do it yourself or take the cycle to a mechanic. It is a simple process- unfasten the screws on the rear wheel. Then you can pull back the wheel as much as you need. The chain must not have any slack. Tighten the screws back. Check the chain for any damage. It would be best if you changed the chain at the first sign of damage.
- Safety gear: Safety is an important aspect, and as the name suggests, you need to ensure your safety with these gears. In many states and countries, cycles must have active head and tail-lights. It would be best if you were visible to the vehicle drivers. Check the condition of the lights and change the battery if needed. Ensure the reflectors are intact and not broken. Check the helmet also for any scratches.
- Shifters for gears: Derailleurs are important in any bike with multiple gears. Keep the cycle upside down or on a stand. Spin the shifters; they should be working efficiently and smoothly. Pedals to see the movement of the gears. The chain should be centered on each gear. It should move through the shift points without any hitch or break in the movement. Adjust the derailleurs using a special screwdriver. Check their movement for some time and keep adjusting until you are satisfied.
- Remove Friction: The smooth movement of different parts of the bike requires the complete elimination of friction. The bike parts should be well oiled or lubricated. The catch is not to use some traditional lube like WD-40 or machine oil as these are pretty sticky. Though the lube will remove friction, it will attract more dust and dirt; you will have to clean at a later point. So, use a dry lubricant as much as possible. Use the lube on all the gears- front and back, chain and crankset. The wheel -bearings will also move better with a little lubricant.
If you find that you need any new parts for your tricycle or bicycle then check out our components area in our store, we have everything you need here
Optional servicing parts:
- If you plan to go riding as a family, then the child carrier should be in good condition. Ensure that it is not torn or frayed. The belt should still retain its sturdiness and elasticity. Check the seat attached to the bike. Ensure that all the things are firmly in place and screwed. This is critical for the safe ride of the child who is going to enjoy his/her first summer ride with the family.
- Other attachments like a water bottle or a carrier for small things to be carried should be firmly attached to the cycle.
Bike riding is a fun activity that we can do at any age and stay fit. Nothing compares to the cool breeze blowing your hair and propelling you to pedal longer. You will enjoy the rides more if the bike is in good condition and is smooth to pedal.
Conclusion:
You would not like to spend the time in a mechanic’s shop getting the bike repaired. Similarly, you may not want to spend a lot of money to buy a new bike. Therefore, you must follow the tips while storing the bike during winter. Then the task of preparing your tricycle after winter storage will be much simpler.