Saturday, March 28, 2009

Tuning Your Own Mountain Bike

By Jackie Michaels

If you have purchased a mountain bike, the important thing is to understand how to be able to tune up your own mountain bike parts. Some of them particularly you will like to know tune up are discussed here. You have to just keep up general maintenance.

First of all, we have to start with bike's chain. If the chain is not properly functioning then grease it. If the chain needs simple adjustment then strongly pull the chain and count 20 links. Then, measure the chain from pin to pin and look for a maximum up to 10 inches. If it is exceeding 10 inches then it is better to replace it with a new one.

If the chain length is perfect, then you need to clean it and restore it. To clean the chain you can use some kind of citrus solvent with old toothbrush. Scrub the chain with toothbrush by using lubricant as much as the chain needs it. It is necessary to check the bent teeth before tune up. If there are some bent teeth, just use the adjustable wrench and straighten the teeth.

If the mountain bike parts you are looking to get into shape are the wheels and the brakes, there are some other things that you might need to do. In order to check wheels and brakes, simply move the bike to front and back by using front breaks but keep in mine there should be no play when moving front and backward. If play occurs, then you may tight the headset after loosing the bolts.

Checking the hubs should be quite simple. All you have to do is to push the wheel hard enough to move it spin around to or three times. As long as the bike's wheel spins smoothly you are in good shape. Take a notice and make sure while spinning the wheel that there is no lateral movement.

If you generally want to know that how to keep your bike tuned up, stand at front of your bike and check the loose bolts and tighten them. In routine riding bolts come loose by the passage of time. Also check the other parts like bottle cage and the chain ring bolts.

Lubrication is very important to your bike, coat grease slightly and when you do this cleans it immediately. Also lubricate the front suspension for sliders. After doing this, take a moment to clean out grit that might be lodged next to the seal. - 22873

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