Bike tunes

I’m fortunate. A couple of my regular biking buddies are qualified bike mechanics with all the tools and toys. A spring tune-up of the bicycles in the Jones household is usually a matter of two guys in a garage on a rainy afternoon.

If you don’t have the time, aren’t skilled enough to do it yourself, or aren’t lucky enough to have friends willing to make it “bonding” project, now’s the time to get your ride to the bike shop. Then it will be ready for road and trail.

It doesn’t cost a lot to get everything properly adjusted and lubricated to start the season. It might save you a long walk pushing a broken bike.

Here's two hints:

1) If the bike shop will let you, watch the process and learn how to keep your bike properly cleaned and lubed and how to make some simple adjustments yourself.

2) Build yourself a basic emergency kit and keep it in a small pack under the seat. This kit should Include a spare tube, gas inflation system, tire wrenches, and a good quality bike tool kit, such as the ones made by Topeak  or Pedros.