What do I need besides a bicycle pump?

October 21, 2023 12:15 PM

I have a nice bike that has been sitting in a closet for a year. What do I need to do to get it ready to ride other than pump up the tires? I'm not very bikey and don't know what's involved in maintenance, but the weather's gotten reasonable and I'm hoping to take it out a little.
posted by less-of-course to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (11 answers total)

Clean and lubricate the chain, check the brakes, check the shifting (just make sure they work okay). Look for any spider webs, and you should be ready to go.
posted by aubilenon at 12:21 PM on October 21, 2023 [4 favorites]

Since it has been sitting inside, and assuming it worked well before it was put in the closet, I would agree with aubilenon, though would add that not knowing how to clean & lubricate the chain shouldn't stop you from getting out on the bike! On your first trip or two around the block (or equivalent) pay attention to how the bike feels -- if anything feels a bit off, take it to your local bike shop.

You may also want to check with your local bike shop to see if they or a local bike organizations run basic maintenance classes -- how to change a tube, keep your chain clean, adjust your brakes, etc. That will help you keep it in great shape between more major maintenance.

Enjoy your rides!!!
posted by chiefthe at 12:40 PM on October 21, 2023 [5 favorites]

If you are riding at night, new batteries for your lights!
posted by i_am_joe's_spleen at 12:50 PM on October 21, 2023 [1 favorite]

Depending on how long it has been sitting the rubber of the tires may have degraded and gotten porous. Easy to check: pump up the tires and check after a few days whether they're still as firm.
posted by jouke at 1:03 PM on October 21, 2023 [3 favorites]

If you have brake shifters, they probably need to be lubricated if your bike has been sitting that long, but don't worry about it if your shifters are working fine.

If they aren't working fine, I would recommend you go to a bike shop to get them lubricated. Doing it yourself can lead to all sort of headaches (mainly "oh shit, where did that spring fly off to?").
posted by queensissy at 1:57 PM on October 21, 2023 [1 favorite]

For a year I’d pump up the tires, minding that the bead of the tire hasn’t come off the rim, allowing any tube to poke out. Other than that, dust it off and go for a ride! Sure it might need chain lube or a minor adjustment, but it shouldn’t be an issue, assuming it was working fine when you put it away. If you are going to be riding it on a regular basis going forward and something seems off (misfiring shifting, squishy brakes), take it in for a check over and/or a tuneup.
posted by computech_apolloniajames at 5:04 PM on October 21, 2023 [1 favorite]

If it's just a ride around the block, sure, check the tires and pump them up, then go for a spin. If things creak, rub, crackle, squeal....best you get some help either a friend or a bike mechanic. Most bikes just need a quick tuneup to get things adjusted, nothing major, just tweaking the brakes and such.
If you are talking longer rides, you are going to want to get outfitted with a helmet, portable pump, spare tubes, tire levers and lights.
A quiet bike is usually the goal. That means things are spinning smoothly without excessive wear or abrasion.
posted by diode at 7:18 PM on October 21, 2023 [2 favorites]

> don't know what's involved in maintenance

Park Tools fix-it videos:

fixing a flat

adjusting rear derailer (if your chain hops off)

etc.
posted by sebastienbailard at 2:52 AM on October 22, 2023 [1 favorite]

This is the cleanest way I've found to lube a chain.

And yes, I'd add charge your lights or replace the batteries.
posted by dobbs at 5:43 AM on October 22, 2023 [1 favorite]

I always go by ABC to check over a bike before riding it:
A - Air in the tires
B - check the Brakes
C - check the Chain
posted by misskaz at 6:31 AM on October 22, 2023 [2 favorites]

I'd run it through the ABC Quick Check myself, in a little more detailed form than misskaz's description - air in the tires and brakes working, but also making sure the wheels spin smoothly (no rubbing), chain and pedals moving smoothly and not hanging up as well as no visible damage, quick release levers all tight. And then take it for a short spin to make sure everything is shifting smoothly and feeling good. Chain lube is one of those "nice to have" items to me, not urgent before you start riding again but good to do before your bike sees much weather or heavy usage.
posted by Lady Li at 5:10 PM on October 22, 2023 [1 favorite]