The Heart of Cycling in Worcestershire

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Maintenance

If you have a bike then you have a machine, not a fit and forget domestic appliance but arguably the most useful invention ever- and it needs looking after!
Maintaining a bike is not a mysterious zen like concept as some bike shops would let you believe, however it is vital, not just for your safe riding and enjoyment but also for prolonging the life & reliability and efficiency of the working components. How many times have you seen someone struggling along on flatish tyres and a squeaky brown chain - it's not clever.
If you would like to learn how to fix a bike - why not come on one of our courses, you'll have fun and have a lot more confidence in looking after your pride and joy.

If you are reasonably practical, then enjoy losing yourself in the karma of spanner juggling and start with the following pdf download checklists for help:

Important: although the maintenance principles are the same, these forms are for basic bikes not dual suspension, disk brake equipped higher performance machines. If in doubt, ask someone qualified or come on one of our courses.
Tool Kit Essentials and information to keep you going.
Repairing a bottom bracket or replacing a spoke probably isn't high on your list of bicycle activities. It's a good idea, however, at least know how to fix a puncture and make a few other essential adjustments. And, you should have a tool kit to make these adjustments while on the road or trail. Remember:

The tools you need depend on the type of riding you do.
Always carry the bare essentials with you each time you ride.
Know how to use the tools you have.

Understand Your Tools
Every cyclist should know how to use basic tools correctly. A well-chosen tool collection will help you:

Keep your bike running well
Make adjustments to improve its performance
Repair the bike when it breaks
Make riding more comfortable and fun

The specific tools you need will depend on the difficulty of the road or trail you're on and your own mechanical skills. Most novice cyclists start out with just the basics, then add tools gradually as they gain more experience and start planning more-adventurous rides.
The Bare Essentials
The most common problem faced by cyclists is the flat tyre. Punctures can happen almost anywhere & anytime (although riding on trails alongside where the hedges has just been chopped will give you additional tyre change practice!), so carry the following items on every ride:

Puncture repair/Patch kit and/or spare tube (many cyclists carry both)
Tyre levers (at least 2)
Pump
Credit card and/or change/mobile to call home—in case something major goes wrong.
Additional Tools
Longer and more challenging rides typically require a larger supply of bicycle tools. Luckily, most modern bicycles are designed so that a relatively small number of simple tools can be used to make common repairs and adjustments. No single list of tools works for every ride. Some riders choose to carry all or some of the tools listed below; others carry them only when on long-distance rides or when riding in areas where bike repair shops are not readily available.
Specialist cycle multi-tools are light, space-saving and a perfect way to stay prepared without spending a lot of money or lugging around bulky tools.
The tools listed here will not handle every mechanical emergency, but they'll be fine for most situations.

Phillips and standard screwdriver
Allen keys (sizes that match the components of the bike being ridden)
Open-end spanners (or an adjustable spanner - emergencies only - some see this as a "butcher's tool"!)
Chain tool
Spoke key
Some riders also take pliers (preferably long-nose) for pulling cables, I'd suggest long rides only (unless you got a "leatherman" for Christmas-you might as well take it just so you get a chance to use it -ha ha!)

Cleaning/Lubrication Supplies
On longer rides and rides that include off-road trails, you may want to clean and relubricate certain bike components from time to time to maintain good performance. The following items can be easily added to your pannier, saddle bag or camelbak.

Chain lubricant
Small containers of bicycle oil and bicycle grease
Degreaser
A few clean rags and some handcleaner

Spare Parts for Touring
Most road, mountain and town cyclists don't need spare parts. However, the touring cyclist should consider the following:

Spare tyre: Tyres don't need to be replaced often. But on tours in remote areas, carrying a spare may be easier than finding a suitable replacement. Be sure to buy folding (kevlar) tyres, which are far easier to store and carry on tours than nonfolding ones.
Spare tubes: Some blown tubes simply can't be patched. Spare tubes can be real trip-savers.
Spare brake cable/derailleur cable: These do not break frequently. But when they do, they must be replaced immediately. Cut the cables to length before you leave home to avoid problems out on the road.
Spare nuts and bolts: Normal cycling can shake even the tightest nuts and bolts loose over time. Experience will be your best guide as to which extras to carry.
Spare spokes: These may be helpful, as long as you know how to replace them correctly. Spares should be sized at a bike shop, then taped to your frame or a rack until needed.
If touring with hydraulic disk brakes or complex suspension, be sure to prepare to a high level i.e carry the right spares for your system and have practice before hand in stripping, servicing and re-assembly/adjustment - just in case. Most systems like Hope and Magura are simple to fix with experience - you'll need a small tube of DOT 4 or 5.1 brake fluid for Hopes and LHM Mineral fluid for Magura plus hose and olives for fixing it all back up!!
Only carry these items if you know how to replace them correctly.
As any good Boy Scout will tell you "BE PREPARED" - you can then guarantee the fun and adventures!