Autumn/Winter 2012
6 5
Check gear indexing
Like brakes, gears stop working properly if the cable becomes too slack. Shift the rear derailleur to the smallest cog, turning the cranks as you click through the gears. (You will need a workstand – or an assistant – to hold the rear wheel off the ground.) Now shift down one gear at a time, turning the cranks as you do so. Each click should see the chain ramp up onto a bigger sprocket. No? Turn the barrel adjuster half a turn anti-clockwise, then try again. Repeat as necessary. If the chain doesn't ramp down onto a smaller sprocket for each click shifted the other way, you will need to turn the barrel adjuster clockwise a little.
Quick releases and bolts
Make sure all quick releases are in the closed position. (In fact, check this before every ride!) They should be done up firmly. The lever should start to become snug about half way closed and require firm pressure to close fully. If one is loose, open the lever, tighten the knurled nut on the other side, and close it again. Allen (hex) bolts occasionally work loose. Check stem, seatpost and saddle bolts in particular: hold the front or rear wheel between your legs, as appropriate, and twist the handlebar or saddle. Check rack and mudguard bolts where they fix to the frame. Note that these are ongoing checks. This is a not the full safety check – known as an M Check – that you'd conduct on a bike that's new to you.
bike check
TOOLKIT
Floor pump with gauge A floor pump takes the effort out of tyre inflation, and the gauge ensures you put enough air in. Pictured: SKS Airkompresser 12.0 (£29.99)
Multitool You're likely to need at least 4, 5 and 6mm allen keys, and maybe a crosshead screwdriver. Pictured: Crank Brothers Multi (£11.99)
Workstand A shop-style workstand is best but anything that enables you to turn the cranks with the back wheel off the ground is okay – even rope over a garage joist. Pictured: Raleigh rear maintenance stand (£17.99)
Oil There are oils for all kinds of applications and conditions. All you really need is a multipurpose cycle oil. Pictured: Weldtite Cycle Oil (£3.49/125ml)
Newspaper & kitchen roll or rags To deal with excess oil.
22
www.cyclescheme.co.uk