As a parent, you know how important it is for your child to ride to school safely and with joy. A well-maintained bike plays an essential role in this. By regularly maintaining the school bike, you can prevent unexpected issues and ensure your child arrives at school safely. In this blog, we share a handy checklist of points you, as a parent, can inspect on the school bike, and we provide a step-by-step guide on how to clean the bike's chain.
CHECKLIST FOR MAINTAINING THE SCHOOL BIKE:
1. TIRE PRESSURE AND TREAD
Check the tire pressure of the bike's tires and inflate them to the recommended pressure if needed. This ensures a smoother ride and reduces the risk of flat tires. Also, inspect the condition of the tire. Is there sufficient tread? Are there cracks visible on the sidewalls of the tire? If the tire has low tread or you see many cracks on the sidewall, it's time to replace the tires. You can do this yourself or have it done.
Less chance of a flat tire? Fill the inner tube with Tyre SealerThis seals a small leak immediately. Replenish the sealant every 2 months.
2. BRAKES
Test the brakes and ensure they work well. The brake pads should have sufficient thickness, and the brake cables should not be worn or frayed. If this is the case, it's time to replace the brake pads or have a new cable installed. It's best to have this done by a bicycle mechanic.
3. LIGHTS
Check the front and rear lights of the bike. Make sure the lights are working and replace the batteries if necessary. Ensure that the lights are powerful enough. Small LED lights are generally not visible enough in traffic.
4. REFLECTORS
Check if all reflectors on the bike are still present and undamaged. Reflectors enhance the visibility of the bike, especially in low light conditions. You can find reflectors on the pedals and the rear of the bike.
5.HANDLEBARS AND SADDLE
Check if the handlebars are securely attached and if the saddle is adjusted to the right height. A comfortable riding posture is important for your child's enjoyment and safety while cycling.
6. Stand
Check the bike's kickstand and ensure it's securely attached. A good kickstand prevents the bike from tipping over and protects against damage. If the kickstand is too loose, it can scrape against the ground or get caught in the spokes.
7. CHAIN AND DRIVE
Keep the chain clean and well lubricated. A clean and lubricated chain reduces friction and prolongs the bike's lifespan.
HOW TO CLEAN THE SCHOOL BIKE'S CHAIN:
Cleaning the bike chain is something you can easily do yourself.
(Read the bike chain lubrication manual for that). Provided you have the right tools. Of course, there's a difference between a bike with or without a chain guard
For a bike with a chain guard, it's good to give it a maintenance check at least once a year. Unscrew the chain guard and maintain the chain like any other chain. Use a degreaser, a brush, a few old clothing items or cloths, and the E-Bike
& City Chain Oil.
The same applies to an exposed chain guard when it comes to cleaning the chain; for maintenance, you can choose between the E-Bike & City
Chain Oil or the Chain Wax. A chain on a bike without a chain guard is more exposed to dirt and water. Therefore, it's better to clean the chain of a bike without a chain guard more frequently. The rule of thumb is once a month or when the chain is really dirty.
Take good care of your child's school bike by using this handy checklist and regularly cleaning the chain. This way, your child can confidently and safely hit the road, on the way to a successful school year!