Not all bikes are created equal. Some are for adults, some for kids, some are meant for dirt trails, and others for streets. But they all function similarly, meaning we could use bike maintenance tips for the family.

Bike Maintenance Tips for the Family

The best bike maintenance tips for the family can help us keep our bikes lasting longer and could even keep us safer. One of the easiest bike maintenance tips to remember is the “ABC” method. The ABC method is something we can do every time we pull our bikes out for a ride.

The first step is to check the air in the tires, A. Tires that are running low on air can make steering more difficult, especially in wet conditions. The next step is to check the brakes, B. Bike brakes are just like any other brakes in that they may wear down over time.

Lastly, we want to check the chain, C. Bike chains are very important. We just want to ensure the chain moves smoothly through the derailleur. These are the ABCs of bike maintenance, and doing them regularly will drastically extend the life of our bikes.

Cleaning and Lubricating a Bike

One of the more intense bike maintenance tips is to keep it clean and lubricated. Depending on how often the bike is used, this can be done once a month. Bikes depend on moving parts, but all of that motion causes wear and tear.

Bikes are also used outdoors, so dirt gets into those moving parts and accelerates wear. Pick a schedule you can stick to and clean the bike regularly. We want to make sure there’s no dirt sticking around that can cause issues over time.

We also want to lubricate those moving parts. Lubrication slows the wear process and will help those moving parts last. The few areas to focus on include the chain, derailleur, brake levers and cables, and chain cassettes.

Bike Bolts

Many of us go hard on bikes, moving them rhythmically from side to side as we ride. But this is a great way to loosen bolts on the bike. One of the bike maintenance tips for the family is to check the bolts. We don’t want every bolt to be as tight as possible. But we do want to make sure they are all present.

You can check your bike’s owner’s manual for torque information. But hand tightening should be fine for most bolts on a bike. This maintenance tip doesn’t have to be done often; once every 6 months should be fine. We mostly just want to be sure there are no missing bolts or bolts that are far too loose.

Fixing Flats

Bike tires are different from the tires you’d find on your car. However, they can go flat or get punctured while on the road. Of course, no one is really calling roadside assistance for a flat bike tire. But knowing how to fix a flat tire is always a good skill.

No one wants to use that skill but is thankful they have it when needed. Learn how to fix a flat bike tire to continue riding safely. You may need some flat tire repair kits to get the job done. But knowing how to use those kits in case you need them won’t hurt.

Take a Class

These are the main bike maintenance tips for the family you will need to keep bikes operating properly. However, some more intense things can be done to extend the life of each part of the bike. Some people may be interested in learning how to maintain a bike.

Luckily, some local bike shops may offer classes on how to do them. These classes are a fun way to spend time with the family and can even grow your group of friends with like-minded people.