Six checks to get your bike ready for Spring
As the weather starts to improve, Bikmo, our official cycle insurance provider, shares their top checks to get your bikes ready for spring and summer.
1. Mudguards
Probably the most essential part of any winter bike, but not so necessary in the summer months. Mudguards aren’t always the prettiest things either, so taking these off will breathe new life into your bicycle, and will almost feel like you've got a new bike!
There's lots of mudguards now that can come off and on in seconds if you need them to - do the research and you'll thank yourself for it.
2. Checking Tyres
Check for wear and look out for if there are any cuts in the tyre wall or cracks on the main outside body of a tyre as these could lead to future punctures.
If there seems to be a lot of wear, it’s wise to look at getting it changed as soon as possible as not only will it puncture easily, it won’t provide a great deal of grip either.
3. Brakes
If you don’t often check your brakes, now is a good time as all the grit and mud from the winter months will have worn your brake pads down. This may be a good opportunity to completely remove them and give them a good scrub with soapy water as things can easily get stuck in them too.
If you have hydraulic brakes, you should consider giving them a good bleed. But if you don’t feel like making a mess of your living room or patio (if you have ever tried bleeding brakes yourself, you know it can get really messy real quick), make an appointment at your local bike shop, they will be happy to do the messy work for you.
4. E-bike Batteries
Leaving e-bike batteries outside in your bike over winter, even in a shed, will result in your battery’s cells dying.
If you are not planning to use your e-bike for a while, disconnect your battery and bring it inside, at room temperature, in a place free from moisture. Much like a computer or phone battery, there are arguments to charge the battery to around 60%, rather than empty or fully charged, to prolong the battery life.
Most insurance, including Bikmo's, won’t cover batteries dying prematurely so make sure you look after your e-bike battery.
If you do own an e-bike, Bikmo offers an additional 25% saving on an e-bike policy compared to a regular bicycle policy. Bikmo policies cover accessories such as batteries as standard, should you accidentally damage them or they are stolen.
Plus, Caravan and Motorhome Club members benefit from 12 months for the price of 11*.
5. Cables
Over time, brake and gear cables on a bike will stretch and, in doing so, performance will diminish. Bikmo employees often take their bikes into our local bike shop for a qualified bike mechanic to give it a once over.
A sign of brake cables being in good working order are if you are able to pull both brake levers without the lever hitting the handlebars.
Gear’s aren’t as straightforward, but gears not shifting properly can be a real pain. There will often be guides for specific bikes on Youtube videos or any manual that came with the bike.
6. Drive Chain or Slipping Gears
Check carefully for any defects in the chain. This could be a crack, a broken line or even a rough patch of rust which stops the chain from moving properly. You can use a proper chain cleaning product to remove old grease and grime before applying new lube to the chain, but soapy water will help remove a lot of grit and dirt.
Grab a rag and a tough brush, or even a spare toothbrush, apply plenty of chain cleaner/soapy water and scrub accordingly. Dry off with a rag before reapplying chain lube. Once dry, apply lube followed by running the chain around a rag before re-applying again.
Bonus tip - spare puncture repair kits!
You’ve probably already got a puncture repair kit, but it’s wise to have an extra set in your caravan, campervan or motorhome, just in case you forget to replace it when returning home.
Get the best out of your bike this year and give it the TLC it deserves. If your bike looks and feels good it’ll bestow that confidence in your riding, making the whole experience a good one!
If you’re apprehensive about any of the suggestions above, take your bike to your local bike shop and let them give it a once-over.
Love your bike? Check it's covered.
If you explore the great outdoors on four and on two wheels, then you may want to consider cycle specific insurance. Not all home insurance will cover the actual value of your bike or gear, especially "away from home".
Bikmo offers the Caravan & Motorhome Club members enhanced cover** and an exclusive discount to its members. This includes:
- 12 months for the price of 11* for Caravan and Motorhome Club members
- 50% saving when insuring multiple bikes, covering the whole family on the same policy
- 25% discount on e-bike policies compared to regular bicycles (don't worry, regular bicycle policies are also competitive with your Club member discount!)
Bikmo policies cover your bike against theft and accidental damage worldwide, 24/7, including when your bike is in your locked caravan or securely locked*** to your caravan, motorhome, campervan, trailer or bike rack. There’s also an option for personal cover for you too.
Love your bike this spring and make sure it's financially covered, you can get a quote extremely quickly here or call 01342 649 921.
