Mountain Bikes

Yes, we know that using a mountain bike is all about getting dirty, playing it rough, jumping mid-air turns and braking at the last minute. However, there are very easy, simple ways you can keep your bike in good condition without much effort. Besides, how are you going to join your mates next weekend if your bike is wrecked because it didn’t get the maintenance it needed?

Here are five simple tips you need to keep your bike in good condition:

         1.Clean it

 Using a biodegradable cleaner, sponge down your bike, ensuring you get into every nook and cranny – you could even use a toothbrush to get into the really hard-to-reach places. Then, when it’s all lathered up, give it a strong hose-down, towel-dry, and get ready for your next ride!

         2.Test the brakes

If you don’t check your brakes, you’re looking for trouble. So many injuries could have been prevented from regular brake inspections, which are simple to perform. All you need to do is check out the pads with a torch to see if the normal wear and tear is even. If they feel too soft, it’s best to visit a reputable bike centre in Melbourne.

         3.Check the wheels

This is easy to check out. Lift your bike and place it upside-down, and spin the wheels at the same time. If you notice that one of the wheels is spinning with a wobble, then it means there might be something wrong or bent in the wheel itself. This needs immediate attention, for obvious safety reasons.

         4.Cables and Chains

This isn’t as greasy as you might think. All you must do is see if there are any cracks, dust or rust around the bike cables and rubber housings. Also, even without checking, if you’ve had a ride recently, and have noticed the gear-changing isn’t as smooth as it should be, then it is very likely it needs to be seen by a professional bike mechanic – even just for oil or new cables.

         5.Tyres

Tyres are part of helping you have a better grip on the road and obviously play a major part of your riding experience. We suggest investing in a good floor pump to ensure that your tyre pressure is always spot on. Besides pressure, you should check every so often if there are any splinters, cracks or tears in the tyre walls. If they need repair, the sooner means the cheaper, and the safer.

         6.Bonus tip:

Poor suspension, as we all know, makes for a horrible ride. You want to ride free, over bumps and little hills without any aches and pains to yourself. This means that you should check that your suspension forks are well-lubricated with oil to ensure a smooth ride. If the forks are dry, or if you aren’t sure where the forks are located, you should take it to your trusted bike store and let the experts sort it out for you.

You can always contact our team at Bikes.com.au to give you that peace of mind you need to get back on the road again - safely. For more information on how to maintain your mountain bike or to see our range, feel free to get in touch with reputable mountain bike store.

Mountain biking is unlike any other form of cycling. You get to explore nature from a unique angle and get fitter at the same time. Because you’re doing it at whatever pace you desire, it can also make for a great social activity you can do with friends or co-workers. If you’re thinking about adding it to your list of activities, here are a few tips that will help make your experience much better:

1. Have the right bike – and maintain it

If you plan on mountain biking regularly, it’s best to invest in the right bike for the job. If you’re a beginner, you might want to consider a bike with wider tires for easier, less bumpy riding, while more advanced mountain bikes are light enough to make pedalling uphill easy, while performing well on descents at the same time. You’ll also need to look at suspension for better impact absorption and traction. Whichever you decide on, remember to ensure you maintain and service your bike properly, or at least before every major ride.

2. Find the line

The biggest challenge people experience when mountain biking is where to look. There’s beautiful scenery around you and also potentially treacherous rocks and obstacles in your path. In order to keep a decent pace without disrupting yourself, expert riders advise that you pick out a visual ‘line’ a metre or two in front of you, instead of on the ground directly on your path. This will help you avoid collisions and sudden braking – and it’s what psychologists call ‘target fixation’.

3. Relax

If you want to avoid slipping and create traction when moving uphill, you need to relax your body, so your weight is evenly distributed over the bike. Lower your centre of gravity by keeping your elbows and body low. When going downhill, shift your weight so that it leans to the rear and keep your limbs relaxed to let them absorb the bumps.

In time, you’ll find that you can negotiate even the steepest incline or descent effortlessly this way.

 Ready to impress your friends on your next mountain biking experience? Make sure you’ve got the perfect mountain bike for your individual experience and all the necessary accessories to go along with it.

Visit us instore or online today stock up on all your mountain biking needs!

 Related Tag: Electric Mountain Bike