Keeping Your Kid's Bike In Good Shape
Posted on: 8 May 2017
Your kid's bike is likely to be one of their favorite possessions. Therefore, you have the responsibility of helping them keep it working. Here are some general maintenance tips that may prove useful for your child's bicycle.
Don't Ignore Noises
If you can hear sounds every time your child gets on their bike, don't assume that it's just what happens to a bike after a while. Noises are almost always indicators of something that requires your attention. For example, squeaking whenever your child sits could mean that the seat clamp needs to be oiled. Creaking in the handlebar area could be a sign that everything needs to be tightened with a screwdriver. A scraping noise typically indicates brake pads have to be replaced.
Ignoring sounds may only make the problem worse, so when you hear them, try to figure out what's going on.
Avoid Gas Station Air Pumps
While your kid is off riding, they may notice that their bike could use some air. However, using the air pumps at a gas station is not a good idea. Both you and your child should avoid using those types of air machines for the bicycle, as those machines blow air too powerfully and are made for vehicle tires. You may risk blowing out one of the bike's tires if you use them.
Keep the Bike on Cardboard
Like many kids, your child's bike usually sits in the garage when it's not being used for the night. In their haste, they may park it right on the concrete floor and run off into the house. However, it's smart to instead talk with them about parking their bike on a layer of cardboard instead. That's because any condensation or liquids on the ground can sometimes affect the casings of the bike's tires, leading to dry rot.
Keep Handles Wrapped
If your kid has moved up to an "adult" bike with drop handlebars, they may be disappointed over time because the handlebars can quickly become worn out and gummy. To freshen up the handlebars before you have to replace them, you can allow them to choose some decorative duct tape to wrap the bars with. The tape can give the handlebars a distinctive look that your child might like and can prevent further wear. Don't forget to replace the handlebars at some point if they are truly not worth saving.
These tips will keep your child gliding on their bike for a long time. If the tips here don't seem to handle a particular problem, a quick call to a bicycle repair shop can either help you troubleshoot further or make an appointment to assess the situation in person.
Share