Members login

• Home
• About Cycle Shrewsbury
• Join in
• News and events
• Kids
• Commuters
• Cycle routes
• Cycle network improvements
• Sustrans Connect2
• Shops, maintenance and training
• Tips and advice
• Buying a bike
• Road signs and markings
• Keeping your bike in good condition
• Advice for new cyclists
• Advice for parents
• Advice for drivers
• Getting your bike back on the road
• Where to dispose of or recycle your old bike
• Cycling in the dark or winter months
• Health advice
• Bicycle accessories
• Keeping your bike secure
• Trains and bicycles
• Photo gallery
• Cycling for sport
• Useful links
• Contact us
• Cycling in Oswestry and Ludlow

Home > Tips and advice > Getting your bike back on the road

About this website | Site map |

Getting your bike back on the road

If it’s been a while since you used your bike it's probably a good idea to have your bike serviced before you start riding it again. Any good bike shop will do this for you; find Shrewsbury's bike shops.

If you feel confident to have a go at fixing up your bike yourself you'll need to think about checking the following things:

Chain

Make sure that it is clean, clear of rust and well-oiled and that has not become stretched and loose.

You can clean a chain by taking it off the bike and soaking it in white spirit or paraffin. You can purchase chain baths in which to do this. Make sure your chain is completely dry before you lubricate it otherwise it will rust.

If your chain is too loose you should tighten it, if it's still too long you can shorten it by removing a couple of links but it's probably better to buy a new chain.

Make sure you test your chain under pressure before taking your bike out for a ride. If you haven't used your bike for a while, your chain may have become weak and may snap.

Cassette

This is the part of your bike which the chain runs through. If there are any problems with the cassette, it's probably best to take your bike to a bike shop to have it fixed or replaced.

Tyres

If you haven't used your bike for a while it is likely that the rubber will have perished on your tyres and you will have to purchase new tyres.

If your tyres seem OK, make sure that they are well pumped up. It's best to do this the night before you plan to ride your bike so that you can check that the tyresdo not have a slow puncture before setting off.

Pedals

Make sure that they spin freely.

Spokes

Check that you do not have any broken or loose spokes. Replace any broken spokes.

Gears

Check that your gears are working. The only way to do this is by riding your bike so make sure you do your test ride in a safe place. If your gears need adjusting, it's best to take your bike to a bike shop.

Frame/body work

Clean the body work thoroughly with soapy water and check to make sure that there aren't any large cracks on the bodywork which may weaken the frame.

Brakes

Check that your brakes are working. The right brake should stop the front wheel and the left brake should stop the rear wheel.

If braking happens too suddenly you will need to loosen your brakes; if your bike still moves when you are braking then you need to tighten your brakes.

Make sure that your brake blocks are not too worn down. If they need to be replaced take your bike to your local bike shop.

If your brakes are not working check that the cable is fitted correctly and that it is not hanging loose or broken.

Lights and reflectors

Make sure that all your lights and reflectors are in clean and fitted securely and that they are working. Remember to carry spare batteries for your lights.

You are required by law to have a white light and the front of your bike and a red light at the rear. Lights should be marked BS 6102/3.

You are required by law to have a red reflector at the rear of your bike. You should also have orange reflectors on your pedals and a white reflector at the front of your bike.

Steering column and seat column

Make sure that your handlebars and saddle are straight and that the steering and seat columns are not loose. These can be easily tightened if you have a basic tool kit.

Nuts and bolts

Tighten any loose nuts, bolts and other fittings and check that none have rusted through.

If you have any questions which aren't answered here ask Cycle Shrewsbury.