"You can't make an omelette without breaking eggs" is a saying used by craftsmen, but it also applies to bikers. A bike is a precision machine, and yet we are not afraid to chase it over hill and dale through the countryside, often under adverse conditions. To prevent unexpected breakdowns and defects from spoiling your enjoyment, you should take preventative measures. Moving parts are particularly exposed to wear on a bike. Where materials are constantly moving against each other (drive and suspension), where friction is used (brakes and tyres), but also in many other places:
Drive
Pre-programmed wear and tear! Unnoticed and unstoppable, we wear out the drivetrain with every pedal stroke. But when is it time to take countermeasures? And how do you go about it? We'll show you.
Shifter cables and covers
As long as they transmit every shifting impulse to the front derailleur and rear derailleur without any problems, nobody pays any attention to the small wire cables. But woe betide you if they start to snag and grind. We show you how to quickly remedy the situation and give you tips so that shifting pleasure doesn't turn into shifting frustration.
Bearing check
The bottom bracket, hubs and also the headset are subjected to a variety of forces. They are also constantly under attack from water and dirt. We show you how to recognise problems and when it's time for action.
Clean properly
Dirt in the drive acts like sandpaper and accelerates wear many times over. The best way to prevent wear in the drive is to clean the relevant components regularly.
Tyres and tubes
The tyres determine propulsion, control and rolling resistance. Depending on the surface and driving style, they can be worn out after a short time on the road - but they don't have to be. But when is it necessary to change the tyres?
Brake pads and discs
They work hard to keep us travelling quickly and safely. Always reliable. Whether you're racing down metres on alpine descents or braking hard before bends in a race - it stays that way with a minimum of maintenance.
Impellers
Thin, taut wires are used to connect the hub and rims and it is simply assumed that the overall work of art will last forever. Here, too, you can avoid many a defect with a little attention.
Also: When should you change attachments such as handlebars or seatposts? And what care is important for your suspension elements?
You can read the big screwdriver special from BIKE 1/2014 in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or the issue in the DK shop reorder:
