Every part on a bicycle has a name. Some names of bicycle parts will be familiar and are used regularly in speech. Wheels, tyres and brakes for example. Other words are used in different contexts such as cassette, flip-flop and dropout. Some words will be totally new to everyone except for the most ardent cyclist … Read more
A chain is the beating heart of your bicycle, without it you cannot drive your bike forward. Sometimes you will need to know how to replace a bike chain which we explain in 8 simple steps. The main reasons for replacing bike chain include that the chain is worn, rusty and stiff, missing or just … Read more
Having your gears properly indexed, that is, one “click” in the lever moving the chain precisely to the next cog, makes your cycling experience safer and more enjoyable. Gears that aren’t indexing properly can also be a sign that there is something wrong with your transmission. If you want to learn about indexing gears and … Read more
Cleaning the drivetrain is an important part of maintaining your bicycle. This is because a dirty transmission rides less efficiently as dirt collects around the sprockets, chain and derailleurs which can compromise their function. Another reason why cleaning bike drivetrain is important is that the components will last longer when clean as dirt mixes with … Read more
Knowing how to oil a bike chain is a useful skill and is important to keep the transmission running smoothly. In this blog post we are going to talk you through the following: Why do we need to lubricate a bicycle chain? What is a chain and how is it made? What should I use … Read more
Today we are looking at the correct height for bike seat and handlebars. Having your saddle and handlebars set at the wrong height can make your bike uncomfortable, inefficient and off putting. A saddle that is too low can cause knee strain and a saddle too high can cause hip pain. If the handlebars aren’t … Read more
Hopefully refitting the front wheel will be straight forward, but sometimes it just doesn’t seem to want to go in. This is particularly frustrating if you had no problems removing it! Fortunately, Cycle Maintenance Academy is here to show you how to put a front wheel on a bike with whatever brakes or wheel fastenings … Read more
Knowing how to pump bike tyres is an excellent skill to have when it comes to cycle maintenance, but this begs the question ‘why do we need to pump our tyres’? Cycling on under inflated tyres makes the tyre rubber “stick” to the road and slows you down. This could be an advantage on muddy … Read more
Gears are designed to make pedalling comfortable in different circumstances. As you ride and practise changing gear, you will be able to find a pedalling speed that works for you and as you go uphill or find yourself with a tail wind, you will be able to change your gear to help you maintain that … Read more
What are bicycle inner tubes made of? Latex inner tubes – Latex is a natural rubber that is lighter weight than butyl and more expensive. The tubes are very elastic and lightweight and they are used to reduce rolling resistance. However, they lose air quicker than butyl tubes and usually can’t be repaired once they … Read more