If you are going to choose a practical means of transportation, the electric road bike would be an excellent choice. You do not have to spend as much money as you would when buying one. You could easily cruise in through small alleys. Refueling is not needed. The list goes on with the perks of a road bike.

You have to be a responsible owner and user of a bike as is with anything. It is vital to know basic maintenance skills like how to change a road bike tire or tips on cycling etiquette to follow. It is not just your safety and welfare that is on the line here. The welfare of other bikers, vehicles, and passersby should be kept in mind as well.

Road Bike Upkeep

Doing some check-ups, preventive maintenance, and repairs on your road bike shorts regularly is essential for several reasons.

• You make sure that your road bicycle is at its optimum condition at all times thereby being safe for you to ride each time.
• You do not endanger fellow riders, drivers, commuters, and pedestrians if your road bike is functioning properly.
• Bike concerns that may arise in the future can be seen way before they even cause bigger problems. You also save money if a small issue gets fixed right away before it even worsens.
• The life span of the road bike is prolonged when you know how to properly care for it.

Although there are instances when you have to take the road bike to a professional bike mechanic, bike upkeep can be done mostly on your own. You can find reliable tutorials online on stuff like how to change a road bike tire and other commonly asked questions regarding its maintenance. In general, below are things to make sure of in your road bike upkeep.

• Along with your bike, purchase tools and supplies that you will likely need in its care like latex gloves that will keep bike oil from staining your nails, tire pump, and screwdriver.
• Your road bike should be properly parked or stored when not in use.
• Make sure to clean your bike after every use, especially when it got wet or driven on mud. After all, doing so is simple. A sponge, a pail of water with soap, and maybe a toothbrush are enough with its cleaning although you may also use other products like a degreaser to remove grit and oil from the gear sprockets.
• The saddle should be lowered, raised, or tilted according to what is most comfortable to you.
• See to it that the tires are properly inflated at all times to avoid punctures. You should also check from time to time if they wobble from one side to the other.
• Regularly check your brakes. Make sure they are not sluggish or screeching. Change the brake cable and pads before they get all worn out.
• Even if there is no problem, check all the parts and functions of the bike. Resolve an issue and/or replace a part before it even causes a bigger and pricier concern.
• If you do not have the skills, experience, and/or the proper tools and equipment to manage the issue, seek professional help for your road bike.

“How To Change A Road Bike Tire”―A Must-have Skill

It is like an unwritten prerequisite that every biker should know how to change a road bike tire. You will never know when and where any of the wheels will give up on you. However, changing a bike tire is easy and can be mastered by anybody. Below are steps that you can learn and practice even on your own.

• Check the tires if it still can be fixed or needs to be replaced.

There are instances when replacing the tire is indeed imminent while there are times when the problem can be resolved. Make sure that it is the former before getting started. Also, upon buying the road bike, double-check and remember what the size of the tires is to make sure you purchase the right replacement.

• Prepare and gather the supplies and tools that you may need.

Most tools can already be found in your house. You will need a new tire, new tube, flat head screwdriver, and a tire pump. Having a putty knife on standby may come in handy as well. And if you are particular with grease or stain going to your nails, you can wear gloves although most people prefer to do the task with bare hands.

• Take out the tire.

1. Put a piece of cardboard on the floor and turn the bike upside with the handlebars and seat on the ground to easily access all the parts the seat height should not be much. You can also place it in a stand although most people prefer turning the bike upside down.
2. Turn the lever or use a socket or a pair of pliers to turn the bolt. This will loosen the tire.
3. Release the tension on the brakes to make tire removal easier if you are changing the back tire.
4. Loosen the bike chain by pulling the small gear positioned atop the rear sprocket towards the bike’s front. This will also make it easier to remove the wheel.

• Assemble your new tire.

1. Speed Release all the air pressure from the tire to be able to remove it easily.
2. If applicable, take off the nut at the valve stem’s bottom.
3. Pry away the tire off its rim, starting from the valve stem’s opposite end.
4. Make a slit by tugging away the tire. Insert the screwdriver thereafter.
5. Clasp the screwdriver with your dominant hand and hold onto the wheel with the other. Begin to tug the screwdriver towards you, ensuring that the edge of the tire is being drawn up and over the rim’s lip. Continue doing so until the tire’s edge is over the rim’s lip completely. For your safety, make sure the screwdriver does not slip when pulling it towards you.
6. Slip your screwdriver entirely under the tube and tire, using it as a lever to thrust the tire above the rim.
7. Free the tire from the wheel by lugging it down and around the rim.
8. Take out the tube from the tire once it is loosened from the wheel. Make sure the tube is free of tears and punctures if you still plan on reusing it in the future.

• Put the new tire in.

1. Place the tube on the table. Inflate it with just enough air to give it a shape so that it will be easier to put it on later.
2. Slip the tube inside the tire.
3. Press the valve stem toward the rim’s hole as this is your starting point in putting the tire.
4. Press the tire’s side into the rim, making sure to place the tube in the center of its two sides.
5. Do step number 4 until you have done it all around the same side of the wheel. The tube and a particular side of the tire should be entirely inside the rim.
6. Tug the tire’s remaining portion side up and above the rim’s lip, beginning on the valve stem’s opposite.
7. Replace the valve stem’s nut with a new one. This will make sure that the tube and rim are as close as possible.
8. Inflate your new tire with the recommended pounds per square inch or PSI as indicated on the tire’s side. Never overinflate it as this may lead to a blowout when you ride the road bike.

Your bike will stay in good shape for many years even if used daily when you are good in essential bike repair and maintenance like knowing how to change a road bike tire. Even without a mechanic, it can be cared for.