Riding in Juneau means riding in the rain, especially if you are commuting. The wet weather means more grime on the derailleurs, chain and the frame. Taking the time to routinely clean your bike is time well spent, ultimately prolonging the useful life of your bike.
Give Grease A Chance
In our wet Juneau environment, our bikes need a little more TLC than those ridden in dry weather. Regular maintenance involving cleaning, greasing and lubricating is important. Chains, cables, seat posts, nuts and bolts will show evidence of rust quickly unless we keep them lubed or greased. A quick rule of thumb is: if it …
The ABC’s of the Pre-Ride Safety Check
Chances are good that your bike has been languishing in your garage/shed/living room during these last few soggy winter months. Now that it's Spring and Bike Month is upon us, it's time to do a safety check to make sure it's ready to roll. It's a good idea to perform the quick version of the …
Mechanic Tip: DIY Bike Stand at Cycle Alaska
There are times when we all need to take our bikes to a mechanic. And then there are times when you just need to tighten a screw, pump up your tires, or make some minor adjustment. In times like these, what you need is a bike stand.
Mechanic Tip: Be Prepared For Flats
Always be prepared for more than one flat on a ride. The roads around Juneau can be a minefield of tire puncturing debris, and carrying a tube as well as a patch kit, or just two tubes can mean the difference between completing your ride and calling for a roadside pick up!
Mechanic Tip: Skip the WD-40
Contrary to popular belief, you should never use WD-40 to lube your bike chain. Here’s why.
Mechanic Tip: Keeping it Clean
Keeping your bike clean is the equivalent to “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.”