What maintenance would you recommend for my bike ?

Basically try to ride your bike as much as possible, especially if kept outdoors, a bike does not like to sit around. This will keep things moving and stop rust creeping in.

I tend to allow my chain to get a little dry then lube it and wipe off the excess. This will stop the chain getting over lubed and stop dirt sticking to it and in some cases clogging up the drive train.

Check tyres for debris stuck in it which could lead to a puncture and always pump up before riding out.

If the brakes don’t feel great use the brake adjuster to sharpen them up, if they are still not great check brake pads for wear and replace.

If the brakes are rubbing, check for a buckled wheel or broken spoke.

How can I stop getting punctures?

Unfortunately these are the joys of cycling. Some people fit solid tyres (foam filled) but i do not recommend these as they are simply way too hard, and i think are dangerous in the wet.

I recommend schwalbe marathon plus tyres which offer maximum puncture protection by adding a plastic layer inside the tyre. You can also add STANS no puncture liquid into the innertube for even more protection.

What lock would you recommend?

Having cut through a few customers locks who have misplaced their keys or the lock has seized I have found i can cut through in approx. 1-2 minutes, so basically whether you buy top of the range lock or a cheap one it makes not much difference to the serious bike thief with a portable disc cutter.

I say to buy the best lock you can and add a cable around the wheels. Try to lock your bike in a busy area and if not make it visible to overlooking houses or on a corner.

Its recommended to get your bike security marked as there are thousands of stolen bikes in police storage with no way of reuniting them with the owners.

I’ve heard of tubeless tyres, Can you fit them ?

Unfortunately I don’t fit them and recommend customers NOT to go near them. They are an awful invention initially developed from the mountain biking world where they like to run very low pressure in the tyres for added grip.

Since the success of them, they have now come to the road market and I can only see disadvantages for the customers who decide to use them.

I have broken numerous tyre levers, made my fingers sore and failed to remove some tyres. They are made to fit so tight that once they are on, it’s so difficult to remove them.

I know they have ruined many ride outs and had they been running normal inner tubes, they could have simply fixed the puncture and carried on.

All you need to do is look on youtube for some of the problems which they cause.

How can i stop getting backache or sore knees?

Are you overstretching when riding, it’s possible your bike is too big. There are also a number of adjustments you can make to change the position of your riding,

1. Seat and handlebar height

2. Stem length

3. Moving seat forward or backwards

4. Changing crank arm length

5. Handlebar width or shape

6. Seat angle

7. Type of seat

Contact me for a bikefit service.

How can i make my bike faster?

Firstly make sure your tyres are pumped up, it always suprises me the amount of customers who ride with under inflated tyres.

Riding more will make your bike faster.

Next, basically upgrade anything that rotates. I always recommend upgrading the wheels first as this is what i have done and feel it’s had the biggest effect.

Then fitting a better crank either lighter or stiffer.

Also don’t overlook other things which rotate such as making sure the wheels, pedals and cranks move freely, as stiff or rusty bearings will create drag.

Is it worth me fixing my bike or should i buy a new one ?

This is a question i get asked alot, and I always say YES. Because what makes a new bike ride nicely is simply the new parts it has on it. So as long as your frame and wheels are in good condition and you like the bike, then simply fix what needs doing.

As If you decide to buy new, then in a year or so you will be right back at the same dilemma again with worn out parts again.

For example I have a 1950’s vintage bike with all new moving parts on it, and it rides like a new bike, so its not the age of the bike that matters its the condition of the components.

Are treaded tyres more grippy than slick one on the road?

What kids bikes do you recommend?