After buying a new bicycle, whether it’s a new one straight off the rack, or a second hand vintage bicycle you got from someone, one of the first things you need to do before riding off into the sunset is to find the bike serial number.
If you’re an outdoorsy person, you know nothing quite beats the fun of cycling. You get to enjoy the welcome views, the thrill of being out on the road, the healthy dose of physical exercise, and even the cost effectiveness of an eco-friendly commute to work.
Riding a bike is fun, relaxing, and just overall enjoyable. It even offers a host of benefits for your mind and body. It’s a nice way to get out and about, enjoy your surroundings, and put in a bit of exercise. Plus, bike riding for weight loss is a great way to shed those extra pounds.
The ideal tire pressure for your bike depends on how wide its tires are. For bikes with narrow tires like road bikes, the correct road bike tire pressure is at 80 to 130 psi, but for wider tires, less air pressure is needed- 25 to 35 psi for mountain bike tires, and 40 to 70 psi for hybrid bikes.
Cycling engages various muscles all throughout your body, from your biceps, core, glutes, hamstrings, quadriceps, and calves. Your hamstrings alone contribute to about ten percent of your pedalling power. These muscles all work together in maintaining your balance and keeping you stable, providing you with pedalling power, and more.
We’ve all seen electric bikes, maybe not in person, but at least on television or online. They are quickly becoming popular and in demand as a great alternative to regular bicycles that require more effort as a way of commuting and getting around the city.
Each and every bicycle owner deals with an unfortunate flat tire every now and then, so it just goes to say that you should know how to pump a bike tire, so you can easily remedy this situation whenever it arises.
A tire might also deflate faster when you carry too much stuff. Make sure not to put too much weight on one tire by using one of the best bike cargo trailers out there.
To help you out, we have provided a detailed step by step guide on how to pump a bike tire, complete with everything you need to know about tire valves and bike pumps!
The first thing you should do is identify what type of valve your tire has, since this will determine how you can connect the tire to the pump. Here are the most common valve types:
One of the most common valve types you’ll encounter are Presta (French) valves. High end bicycles typically feature these high pressure valves, which are narrow and have a removable lock ring that closes the valve at the top.
Another common valve type is the Schrader valve, which is usually found on recreational kids bikes, as well as car tires. These are wider, have a round opening, and feature a spring mechanism that opens and closes the air passage.
For a number of countries in Europe and Asia, you’ll find Woods or Dunlop valves, which feature a wider base than a Presta, but are the same size as a Schrader. These valves can be inflated with both a Schader or Presta valve adapter.
Finally, there are tubeless bike tires, which are tires that don’t have an inner tube, requiring a layer of casing or sealant to keep the air inside the tire. These tires usually feature conventional clinchers or tubulars.
The next step is to get the right type of bike air pump for your tire. Here are some of the most common pump types you’ll find, and the difference of each one:
First off, a floor pump, also called a stack or track pump, is a standard pump that every bike owner should have in his garage, especially since it can quickly and easily inflate your tire with high pressure air. Your best bet is the Bontrager bike pump, since it’s durable, reliable, stable, and always ready to use.
On the other hand, it’s also great to have a hand pump to bring along everywhere. These mini portable pumps are great for the accidental flat tire on the road. A great option is the Lezyne pump, which is lightweight, portable, and works for both Presta and Schrader valves.
Of course, if you want a multi-functional pump that’s great for a variety of uses, you will benefit from a specialized bike pump, like a stand pump, electric pump, or CO2 inflator. What’s important here is to carefully read and follow the manual on how to use it, since mistakes can be costly and dangerous.
If you have a generic pump that can’t fit securely on your valve, you can always just opt for a bike pump adapter, which typically features multiple connections to accommodate Presta and Schrader valves, and more.
Once you know your valve and have the pump ready, it’s time to remove the valve cap (or dust cap if you have a Presta valve), then connect the pump head to the valve, either by screwing it on, or pushing and locking it in place. You’ll know it’s attached correctly when you don’t hear any air escaping from the valve.
Before you air up your tire, it’s important to check what’s the recommended air pressure for your tire. You can easily find this imprinted on the side of the tire. If you can’t find it or it’s too worn out, just look up your tire manufacturer online. Then again, if your tire is worn out, perhaps it’s best to just replace it altogether.
Some bikes, like those that are protected with a fat bike fender, need air than others. Here’s a quick reference for you: if you have a mountain bike, expect 25 to 45 psi, or 40 to 80 psi for a hybrid, and 80 to 120 psi for a road bike.
Don’t go above or below the indicated pressure, or the tire will either feel flat and spongy, rough and lacking in traction, or may even explode from too much pressure. The right tire pressure is especially important for off-road adventures. Make sure you stay safe and protect yourself with one of the best MTB knee pads.
Making sure that no air escapes from the air nozzle, and the bike pump needle is securely attached to the valve of the tire, gently but firmly inflate the tire until you fill it with the right air pressure. Remember, fill it up to the correct tire pressure only!
The best and easiest way to do it may vary depending on what type of pump you’re using, but the general rule is to use your upper body and core strength to pump effectively. The right position is essential in delivering complete and consistent pumps throughout.
Finally, remove the pump head quickly, making sure not to bend or damage the tire valve. Then, put everything back into place, including the lock ring (for a Presta valve) and the valve cap. You can try pinching and bouncing the tire a couple of times, just to make sure it’s adequately inflated.
Then, go ride on your merry way! Just make sure to ride safely and carefully, and avoid paths with lots of pointy rocks and sharp objects that can puncture your tire. After all, airing up your tire only works if it’s not peppered with holes and tears, right?
That’s it! When it comes to how to pump a bike tire, it really is quick and easy, so you have no reason not to do it yourself. Just follow these simple steps, and you’re good to go! And if you have any questions, feel free to write them down below!
Are your bike pedals loose and worn out? Then they most likely need replacing. The good thing is, changing your bike pedals is simple. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps on how to take off bike pedals in 6 easy steps.
To make things easier, we have divided this guide into two parts – removing old bike pedals, and installing new ones. But first, let’s see what tools you’ll need for the job:
Unless you want to spend your precious time unsuccessfully removing your bike pedals and getting frustrated in the process (not to mention probably breaking the bike pedals), it’s important that you understand the correct removal direction of your bike pedals.
The thing is, the right and left-hand pedal have opposite threads. While the right pedal has a normal right-hand thread, the left pedal actually has a left-hand thread so it doesn’t come loose and fall off whenever you use your bike.
This means, in order for you to remove the pedals, you need to rotate the left pedal CLOCKWISE to loosen it.
Before you can change your bike pedals, the first part has to do with removing the old ones. Now, let’s review the basics: The flats are located in between the pedal arm and the clank, while the sockets are at the end of the axle connecting the pedal arm and clank.
This involves three simple steps, but you might have a hard time if the spindle feels stuck. Don’t force it, instead, apply a little grease to make it slick and easy to remove.
First, prop your bike up to a steady position, with the right side facing you. For easier access, put your bike on a bike repair stand., rotate the pedal crank until the pedal is at the top to see what kind of wrench you’ll need. Place the wrench on the right pedal in such a way that it securely grips the spindle flats or sockets.
Hold your wrench with one hand and the left pedal with the other, and rotate the wrench (counter-clockwise if you’re using a pedal wrench, or clockwise if you’re using an allen-key wrench) to loosen the spindle. The pedal should easily unscrew from the crank.
Move on to the left pedal, repeating the same process, only this time rotating the wrench in the opposite direction. This means clockwise for a pedal wrench, and counter-clockwise for an allen-key wrench. Set aside the removed pedals.
It’s important that you do this part carefully and correctly, so your new bike pedals can do their job properly, and so you won’t have a hard time taking them off in the future, once they need to be replaced once more.
Moreover, make sure to check which pedal goes where. They should either be marked with “L” and “R” or curve up to either the left or right side.
Bike grease does three things: they prevent seizing, they help you pedal smoothly, and they help you remove the pedals easily. Apply enough grease on the spindle threads until it’s fully covered with a thin coat.
Insert the new pedal onto the spindle and rotate it a couple of times by hand before using your wrench. This time, it’s clockwise for the right pedal, and counter-clockwise for the left pedal when you’re using a pedal wrench. Do this step for both right and left pedals.
To fully secure the pedals in place, tighten them a bit more after you feel a bit of resistance. How much you need to do so depends on the manufacturer’s specified torque, but on average, it should be ⅛ of a full rotation.
To sum it up, when it comes to how to take off bike pedals off a bike, you need a wrench to loosen the old pedals from the crank, a bit of grease to coat the spindle, and the same wrench to screw the new pedals back in place.
That’s it! Changing your bike pedals is simple and easy. Do you have any questions? Let us know in the comments!
Finding the right bike size for your kid is important, so your child can mount, ride, and dismount the bike as easily and safely as possible. A bike that’s too small will feel cramped, and one too big and your child’s feet won’t even touch the floor.
So, to help you choose the right bike, we’ve provided this comprehensive guide on how to measure a kid’s bike, including some helpful tips and tricks for you!
There are many different types of bicycles for kids, and even more so for adults. When it comes to children’s bikes, you’ll find cute stroller bikes and run bikes for toddlers, mini bikes with training wheels for young children, and 26” wheel bikes for tweens and teens. Essentially, these bicycle types are categorized based on age group and wheel size.
Bicycles for children are classified according to sizes, which are determined by a couple of factors, most commonly being the wheel size, which is what manufacturers use to measure a kids bike size. If you’re wondering, “What size bike should I get?”, we’ve prepared a definitive guide for you:
If you’ve found (or already have) a bike for your little one, and want to find out whether it’s the right fit for him/ her, here’s a quick and easy way on how to size a bike using the bike wheel:
One thing you can do is to measure the outer diameter of either the front or rear wheel (including the rubber tire) by using a measuring tape or ruler. Take several measurements to ensure that you’re getting the correct number.
Better yet, examine the tire and look for the markings indicating its dimensions. The first dimension should be the tire diameter (the second one is the tire thickness). For a more accurate measurement, you may opt to do both steps 1 and 2.
The wheel size roughly represents the kids bike size. Take a look at the size chart below and look for your bike’s wheel size.
Here is a complete bike size guide so you can find the perfect bike for your kid:
| Bike Type | Run Bike | Training Wheels | Training Wheels | 2-Wheel Bike | 2-Wheel Bike | Adult Bike |
| Wheel Size | 8 to 12 inches | 12 to 14 inches | 16 inches | 20 inches | 24 inches | 26 inches |
| Approx. Age | 2 to 3 yrs | 2 to 4 yrs | 3 to 6 yrs | 5 to 9 yrs | 8 to 13 yrs | 10+ yrs |
| Child Height | 31 ½ to 40 inches | 31 ½ to 44 inches | 34 ½ to 48 inches | 40 to 56 inches | 46 to 66 inches | 60+ inches |
| Approx. Inseam | 15 to 18 inches | 15 to 20 inches | 16 to 22 inches | 19 to 25 inches | 23 to 28 inches | 25+ inches |
As you can see above, we’ve got toddler bike sizes with small 8 to 14-inch wheels. These are mostly run bikes and stroller bikes, meaning, they come with a handlebar for you, and no pedals so your little one can just enjoy moving forward by “walking” while on a bike.
Once your kid is a little bigger and is eager to really ride a bicycle, a 14-inch bike with training wheels is a suitable bike for a 3-year-old, or a 16-inch bike for 5-year-olds.
2-wheel bikes with 20 to 26-inch wheels (or the less common 18-inch bikes) are best for bigger kids, tweens, teenagers, and adults. At this point, your child’s inseam and the bike height becomes important.
As we’ve mentioned earlier, wheel size is not the only factor that affects the size of your child’s bike. So, for a better and more accurate bike fitting, take these other factors into consideration:
You might be thinking you need to determine the bike frame size. Well, that mostly applies for adult bikes. When it comes to bicycles for the youth group, the height we are referring to is your child’s height, as well as his or her inseam. This is important since most children’s bikes don’t come with adjustable saddles and handlebars.
If you look at the size chart we’ve provided above, you’ll see how the child height and inseam play into effect.
Your kid’s height alone is not definitive enough to help you pick the perfect bike size. For one thing, boys and girls of the same age and height may have different inseam measurements, so a bike that fits one may not work for the other.
To measure your child’s inseam, grab a thick book, and have your kid stand firmly on the floor, with feet slightly apart. Insert the book, spine side up, between his legs, until the spine rests firmly against his crotch. The distance from the floor to the book spine is his inseam.
How well your little one rides a bicycle is also important. For example, even if your child is big enough to ride a 20” bike, if he doesn’t know yet how to balance, then getting a bike with training wheels may be better and safer. Or, he may be on the smaller side, but already cycles like a pro. In this respect, factor in your kid’s riding experience when buying a kids bike.
Of course, you also need to allow some room for growth. You want your child to be able to use the bike comfortably even after a couple of years. Getting a bike that’s too small means your kid won’t be riding it for long. (But then again, don’t get a bike that your kid will have to wait a year to be able to ride.)
Bonus facts: here is some must-have bicycle equipment so your kid can ride safely at all times, no matter what:
Reflectors and lights– while you wouldn’t want a toddler outside past sunset, older kids tend to love riding around the neighborhood during the early evenings, hence, reflectors and bright headlights are important.
Chainguard – little kids love to explore, but bike chains shouldn’t be included in their list of playthings. Chain guards should be present on a kids bike to prevent accidents like your kid’s foot getting trapped in the chain, or your kid touching the greasy chain.
Brakes– of course, with any bicycle, strong and fast brakes are important so your kid can stop as needed. So, when purchasing a bike for your little one, make sure that the brakes are good quality as well.
You can easily and confidently choose the right bike size for your child as long as you know what to look for. Of course, you can also choose to tow your kids so you can go on adventures together. If that sounds like fun, check out these best bike trailers.
To sum things up, the right way to measure a kids bike is by factoring in everything, from determining the wheel size, measuring your child’s height and inseam, then factoring in your child’s age and riding experience, as well as making room for growth.
That’s it! If you have any questions or comments, we’d love to hear them!
Your bike chain is always in motion, which means it gets worn out easily, or come loose while you’re cycling. There are a variety of reasons why this happens, such as heavy loads carried in your favorite bike trailer, improper adjustments, incorrect chain length, and so on. The good thing is, it’s easy to fix! As long as you’re prepared to get your hands greasy, that is.
In this article, we’ll teach you how to tighten a bike chain for both single-speed and multi-speed bikes. But first, let’s differentiate between the two:
As the name implies, single-speed bikes have only one gear setting, which makes them easy to maintain as they hold up well for much longer. On the other hand, bikes with a derailleur, or multi-speed bikes, have anywhere from 3 to 27-speed settings, which make them highly versatile and less exhausting to ride.
The downside to these bikes with derailleurs is that its very function makes it more high maintenance, especially since the bike chain wears out faster.
If you have a multi-speed bike such as a mountain bike, you’ll be needing an axle nut removal tool to get your bike chain fixed and tightened. Or, if you have a derailleur bike, you’ll need a wrench that fits your derailleur screw. If you want to make the task easier, you may also opt to use a chain tensioner or a chain tightening tool.
First things first: before you proceed with tightening the chain on your bike, make sure that it’s not damaged or broken in any way. The same goes for your bike’s gears. If there’s any damage, tightening the chain is futile, as these parts will need replacement. Moreover, thoroughly clean the chain and gears regularly.
Here’s how you can tighten the bike chain of a single-speed bike in five easy steps:
The first step is to position your bike in such a way that it stands on its handlebars and saddle. This will make things easier for you to fix the bike chain, especially if you’re working with a single-speed bike. Alternatively, you can work on your bicycle by using one of the best bike repair stands.
Once the bike is in position, carefully loosen the rear tire by partially unscrewing the axle nuts holding the tire in place. You can do this with an axle nut removal tool. Once the tire is loose, you’ll be able to work on adjusting the chain tension.
Next, gently tug on the rear tire to pull it back from the bike, which should increase the tension on the bike chain. Do this slowly, so as to not damage or break the chain.
As you pull on the rear tire, try tugging on the chain to test its tension. It should move a bit- no more than half an inch in either direction. This is your ideal chain tension.
Finally, fit the rear tire back into the bike frame, and using your axle nut removal tool, tighten the axle nuts back into place, taking care to keep the tire in position. If it comes into contact with the bike frame or the chain, loosen the axle nuts slightly and make the necessary adjustment to reposition the tire, before screwing the axle nuts securely into place.
And, you’re done! Just check the chain tension once more by tugging on it, and spin the tire to see whether it bumps into the chain or bike frame.
If you have a multi-speed bike, follow these three simple steps to tighten your bike chain:
Before you start, stand your bike steadily in such a way that you can easily work on the rear tire, either by flipping the bike over, or using a bike stand. Once that’s done, locate the derailleur screw (it’s on the back of the derailleur and marked with a “B”). Rotate this screw clockwise to tighten the bike chain.
Take note, we are working on the rear derailleur only, so don’t touch the front derailleur.
The next step is to disconnect the shifter cable by releasing the brake’s quick-release levers, which should give you access to the rear wheel.
Moving on to the rear dropouts, slowly slide the axle wheel backward, working in small increments at a time and lowering the release lever each time to check whether you’ve got the ideal chain tension. Once you’re satisfied with the tension, reattach the shifter cable, make sure the levers and derailleur screws are in place, and the wheel spins smoothly.
You may be worried that your bike chain keeps coming off, especially since you just replaced it. But, here’s the thing: both new and old bike chains are susceptible to come loose and for a variety of reasons.
New chains may not fit as perfectly on the old gears and cogs of your bike and may come off when the load is too heavy. Are you searching for a way to carry more? Check out these best bike cargo trailers. On the other hand, old chains may be stretched thin and worn out, or even completely damaged.
Other than that, sometimes, you can get a loose chain from forceful impacts such as accidents and haphazardly letting your bike drop onto the ground. And other times, you may simply experience your bike chain slipping randomly.
One thing you can expect is that you’re more likely to experience bike chain skipping if you have a single-speed bike, like a road bike or a dirt bike (most modern ones are single speed). The good news is, as you’ve read on this guide, tightening your bike chain is easy!
The answer is yes and no. Technically, the chain experiences the same tension whether or not it’s lubricated. It’s like asking if a rock feels lighter because your hand is slick with cooking oil. The difference lies in its performance and durability.
A well-lubricated bike chain performs better in the sense that the lubrication enables it to move easier and more efficiently, and with less effort. And, since it’s not creating friction with the gears, it doesn’t wear as quickly.
So, a lubricated bike chain makes for a better biking experience.
Having said that, it’s important never to lubricate a dirty chain, as this can be a cause of chain slipping, excessive wear and tear, and chain damage. Therefore, whether you opt for dry or liquid lubricant, clean and dry your bike chain first.
A bike chain coming loose is bound to happen to all bike owners, especially if you have a single-speed bike. But as we’ve proven in this guide on how to tighten a bike chain, it’s also one of the easiest bike maintenance and repair tasks you can do on your own.
As long as you take care of your bike and all its parts, ride it safely and inspect it at the first sign of a problem, and follow the right steps in repairing it, your bike can last in good condition for a really long time.
