| Ride Safe (The Tools Every Biker Should Have | | | | Lubrication |
| Along for the Ride) | | | | Things to Check for Before You Hit the Road |
| It's actually quite easy to do routine maintenance | | | | Brakes: Ensuring your brakes are working well is |
| on your own bike. And having the right tools for | | | | vitally important. Make sure you check your pads |
| the job can mean the difference between | | | | often to prevent rim damage and to ensure that |
| enjoying an all-day ride and having to pack your | | | | your bike actually stops when it is supposed to. |
| bike up and head back home when something | | | | Adjusting the tension is also important. |
| goes awry. So, what tools do you need to take | | | | Chain: Degrease the chain and re-lube it. Clean rear |
| along for the ride? First and foremost, you should | | | | sprockets with a brush tool. |
| have the tools to repair a flat fire. Next, invest in | | | | Gears: Check derailleur gear action and cables. |
| the tools needed to maintain your chain and | | | | Degrease chain and re-lube. Clean rear sprockets |
| brakes. | | | | with brush tool. |
| Bike Survival Kit | | | | Pedals: Make sure the axle spins freely. Check |
| A basic bike survival kit should include: | | | | bottom bracket axles for looseness. |
| Tire patch kit | | | | Steering: Make sure handlebar and stem is tight. |
| Pump | | | | Frame: Check for damage. Make sure the seat is |
| Chain tool | | | | adjusted appropriately for your height. |
| Screwdriver | | | | Wheels: Make sure spokes and nipples are |
| Spare tube | | | | tightened and wheels are trued. |
| Wrenches in various sizes | | | | Check tire pressure and condition. If your |
| A more extensive bike survival kit would include: | | | | suspension fork is quick release, make sure they |
| Chain cleaners | | | | are tightly fastened, and don't forget to check |
| Solvents specifically designed for bike chains | | | | tire pressure. |