Maintenance

Ten steps to service your bike for summer

How to ensure your steed is in tip-top condition for a summer of cycling

Make sure the fit is right

Summer is coming...
Cleaning the bike should be one of your first priorities
Keep your chain in top condition (Pic: Mike Cotty/Media-24)
Ensuring that your derailleurs are properly adjusted will help to keep your shifting smooth
Give your wheels the once over ahead of the summer season
Prevention is better than cure when it comes to replacing a brake cable
Use a torque key to make sure all the key bolts on your bike are tight
A fresh wrap of handlebar tape can make a big difference to the feel of your ride
It's easy to be lured in by the prospect of a bargain but make sure you get the right size frame (Pic: Media24)
Do your research beforehand to work out what you want from your bike

Make sure the fit is right

Your bike can look – and, for that matter, cost – a million dollars, but if it doesn’t fit then it can lead to discomfort, injury and below-par performance.

If you’re experience pain then don’t ignore it – it won’t go away. Take the necessary steps to find the root cause and solve the problem. You’ll be thankful in the long run.

Six symptoms of a bad bike fit… and how to fix them

How do you know if your bike is fitted correctly? The first step is to make sure you are riding the right size frame, which, needless to say, is particularly important if you’re investing in a new bike.

Another obvious sign is if you aren’t comfortable on the bike, be it from your knees, back, hands, knees or anywhere else. We caught up with British Cycling’s head physio, Phil Burt, to find out more about the common symptoms of a bad bike fit and how to fix them.