Three Tips for Bike Maintenance by Dakota Troudt, Bike Mechanic

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Three Tips for Bike Maintenance

By Dakota Troudt, Bike Mechanic
One of the most important parts of a triathlon is the bike portion: it takes up the most time of the three disciplines and could be considered the most dangerous with the possibility of crashing or having a mechanical issue. That being said, you want to make sure that your bike is working properly so you can crush the ride and move onto the rest of the race! Whether you’re a competitive triathlete, a cyclist, or just someone who likes to commute via bike- it’s important to know how to keep up with the maintenance so that a small issue that would cost $50 to fix doesn’t turn into a $500 repair. Dakota Troudt is a knowledgeable and experienced mechanic at Rocky Mountain Multisport and these are his top three tips for how to keep your bike running like a well-oiled machine (literally and figuratively).
  1. Prioritize Preventative Maintenance

Regularly perform preventative maintenance on your bike to avoid costly breakdowns. Wash your bike, lube the chain properly, and check all moving parts. Like changing the oil in a car, proper maintenance ensures that your bike continues to run smoothly and reduces the risk of major issues in the future.

  1. Properly Lubricate Your Chain

Save money by lubing your chain and properly cleaning. Chains left to gather everything the road throws at it prematurely wear down your drivetrain. Chains last anywhere from 2,000 to 3,000 miles depending on circumstances. When lubing your bike’s chain, go beyond a simple spray technique. Apply a fine layer of lubricant on the inside of the chain back by the derailer. Run the crank back one to two times over, allowing the lubricant to penetrate properly. Afterward, let the bike sit for at least four hours for the lubricant to dry effectively. This will not only extend the life of your chain but also keep it cleaner and more efficient.

  1. Regularly Check and Clean Your Bike

Even if you’re not an expert bike mechanic, basic checks can go a long way in maintaining your bike’s performance. Learn to inspect your tires for wear indicators and replace them when necessary. Keep your bike clean, paying attention to the head tube, bottom bracket, and chain stays, where debris can accumulate. Additionally, pay attention to your cleats and shoes, ensuring they’re not worn out to avoid discomfort and potential knee issues.

By following these three tips, you can significantly extend the life of your bike and minimize the risk of expensive repairs down the road. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help, like from Dakota, for more complex issues, and remember that preventative care is key to ensuring your bike performs optimally for many rides to come.

Dakota Troudt, Service Manager

Dakota Troudt is the Service Manager at Rocky Mountain Multisport. Bicycle repairs and tune-ups from a reliable, experienced mechanic!

Dakota is an avid cyclist and decade-long professional bicycle mechanic. He has been trained at the Trek Certified School of Service in Wisconsin, received his certification as a Shimano technician, and graduated from the SRAM technical university. 

The next time you need a bike repair or tune-up, go to Rocky Mountain Multisport inside of Runner’s Roost Fort Collins.