Welcome, if you are here, you need it... and you know it. I am proud of you for recognizing you don't maintain your bike, but you are working on it! (pun proudly intended)
Take care of your bike, and it will take care of you… for a LONG TIME!
Listen, we won’t dive into the debate of whether you need a new bike or not. 90% of the time, the answer is YOU DON’T. YOU JUST NEED TO MAINTAIN YOUR CURRENT BIKE!
Bikes are built to last a long, long time, so if you take care of your equipment properly, it should last you a LONG, LONG time. Heck, I still have the very first triathlon bike I ever bought—a 2003 Quintana Roo Kilo in bright yellow. If it weren’t about two sizes too small for me, I could still race it today.
It doesn’t take a ton of work, time, or tools to stay on top of the basics. You can do it! Plus, you’ll be better prepared for when something does go wrong on the roadside.
Here are a few quick tips from a triathlon coach who’s seen far too many issues over the years:
CLEAN YOUR BIKE!!
Okay, let’s start with a simple one: WASH YOUR BIKE! It’s not a badge of honor to have a dirty bike. Cleaning your bike will help it last longer and allow you to spot any cracks, scratches, or other issues with the frame, bars, and other parts.
Tools of the job:
Clean Your Chain Regularly
A clean chain ensures smooth shifting and reduces wear on your drivetrain. Wipe it down after each ride and apply lube every 100-150 miles.
Tools of the job:
Chain Cleaning Brush - Also one included in the set above
Super Not So Secret Pro Tip:
Want to save yourself some long-term hassle? Switch your bike over to a wet application wax-based lubricant like Squirt Lube. These lubricants are somewhat self-cleaning and can improve performance in most cases. It’s a bit of work upfront to switch from petroleum-based lubricant to wax, but it’s well worth it!
Check Tire Pressure
Proper tire pressure can significantly affect your speed and comfort. Check it before every ride and adjust according to your weight and road conditions.
Tools of the job:
Inspect Brakes and Cables
Make sure your brakes are responsive and cables are free of fraying. This ensures safety and confidence, especially on technical courses.
Tighten Bolts
Regularly check and tighten bolts on your bike, especially on the handlebars, seat post, and crank arms. This prevents unexpected loosening during a ride.
Tools of the job:
Allen Keys - Gets the basics done
Torque Wrench - More advanced and necessary if working with a carbon bike
Test Your Gears
Run through all your gears before each ride to ensure smooth shifting. This helps prevent surprises when you’re pushing hard.
Check Your Chain
Periodically check your chain for wear. When it shows significant signs of wear, you should replace it.
Tools of the job:
Chain Checker - Checks wear of chain
Chain Breaker - Removes old chain, shortens new chain to length and installs the chain pin
These are the basics, and they’re very easy to do. They don’t take much time, either. You’ve spent a lot of money on your bike, and you’ve invested a lot of time and energy training for your event. A little focus on keeping your equipment in top shape can go a LONG way in helping you perform your best and keep your bike running smoothly.
*Time Trial Tuesday posts are intended to be short primer posts to get you thinking, but they are also challenges for myself to see how quickly and simply I can get the topic across to all of you. I give myself 5 minutes on the clock to write each one. No filter, No editing, Just the thoughts in my head..... Scary.
About Nick Farr
Nick is the owner and Head Coach at P3 Fitness and has been a dedicated triathlete and runner for over 20 years. With a passion for endurance sports, Nick brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to his coaching, specializing in triathlon, running, and cycling. As an accomplished athlete and certified multi-discipline coach, he has guided countless athletes to reach their personal bests and achieve their goals. In his role as a Triathlon coach at P3 Fitness, Nick is committed to helping each individual unlock their full potential through tailored training programs and expert guidance.
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