August 03, 2022
Before you zip off on your journey, you should always check over your bike. After all, it’s “safety first” and the best commute is a safe commute. So before you hit the seat, make sure you’re hitting these key points.
Are your tires properly inflated? Your tires should be firm to the touch.
Check both tires by pinching them with your thumb and index finger. If you can easily push it in, it’s too soft for most riding.
SWFT recommends using a digital or analog tire gauge to measure PSI (Pressure Square inch). Doing so ensures your tires are in the proper range - the target PSI for each SWFT bike can be found printed on the side of every tire.
“IT’S BETTTER TO PREPARE THAN TO REPAIR”
Your e-bike’s nuts and bolts may loosen over time as you ride. Check to make sure each of these essential parts are secure before each ride:
The spokes. You want your wheel spokes smooth and secure! To check all spokes for tightness, simply squeeze together each crossing pair (the spokes that overlap each other.) You’ll need to do this on both sides of the front and back wheel. If you find a loose one or are questioning whether it is loose or not, it’s always best to bring your bike to your local bike shop for a professional opinion and tightening. Also keep note of your ride - if you hit any dreaded potholes or killer curbs, recheck your spokes before hopping on again.
The brakes. Brakes are a rider’s best friend, so you really want to make sure your brakes are tight. Give them a good squeeze and rock your bike back and forth to ensure their stopping is up to snuff.
The handlebars. You want to maneuver securely, after all! To check that your handlebars are wobble-free, stand in front of the bike, place the wheel between your knees, and twist the handlebars from side to side. There might be a little flex but the handlebars should not come out of alignment. Also double-check that the wheel is straight when the handlebars are.
For you and your e-bike’s optimal safety, we recommend bringing your bike into a shop once a year for a tune-up, just like you would a car.
If you’re riding a lot (over 500 miles) you may want to get that tune-up twice a year. Preventative maintenance like this will help keep your bike in top condition - and on the road - for a longer time.
Look over the bike. Does anything look loose or likely to get in the way of operating the bike?
You’ve got the power. Make sure your battery is fully charged and connected. You’re ready to ride off in comfort and security - enjoy your ride!
At the tune-up, the professionals will give your bike a run-through and make recommendations for optimal maintenance.
Things like brake cables, brake pads, and tires do wear out over time, so you’ll want to get those periodically replaced. A bike shop employee will recommend whether it is time for a replacement or give you a heads up on when you should be replacing them in the near future.
Your tune-up should leave you assured that your bike is in the perfect shape for the perfect ride.
A bike tune-up from a bike shop usually consists of below:
Stay speedy, stay stylish, and - most importantly - stay safe!