Tips on Taking Care of Folding Bikes

If you are looking for folding bikes, you need to look at the variety of bikes that can be found at Downtube. Once you have your bike, it is also important that you take care of it so it will last you for a long time.

Make Sure they are Set UpProperly for You

With folding bikes, people like to set the seatpost a little on the low side but this is not necessary. You do need to make sure that your seat is high enough so there is only a tiny bend at the knee when your foot is on the pedal at its lowest point. You should also make sure your hips do not rock side to side from overstretching, which would mean that your seatpost is too high. For bikes where the brake levers are tucked away, you should make sure that they are level and easy to grasp when you try to unfold them. 

Cleaning

It is important that you clean your bike so you increase the lifespan of your folding bike. 

Lubrication

After cleaning your folding bike, you need to make sure all the moving parts are protected and working with a proper lubing which includes the chain, derailleur, brakes, cables and more. 

Inspection

It is important to inspect your bike from time to time. Things to look out for include cracks, discoloration, deep scratches and wrinkling paint which tend to occur around joints and stems of the bike. You should also check your brake pads to make sure they are properly aligned. If you have squeaky brakes, they may be incorrectly toed in. The wheelsshould all feel the same and not be rusted or bent. You should also check your grips, cables and tires. If anything is looking worn, frayed or cracked, you should look into having them replaced. 

Hinge

The main differing feature of folding bikes is the hinge. They are also the most complex part, so you should always read your owner’s manual and use and secure the hinges the correct way. There should be no play, rattling, clicking or free swinging of the frame. The latch should not be so tight that it takes a lot of effort to close. You should check the hinge from time to time to make sure it is free of dirt, debris, warping and discoloration. Riding with an unsecure or over-tighthinge can seriously damage the bike and is dangerous for you to ride. 

Conclusion

When your folding bike is new, it is recommended to go for a tune-up after the first few weeks of riding the bike. All bikes are going to have a breaking in period, so you may find that some components or the hinge are going to need a little readjustment. If you assembled your bike yourself, you should have it checked by a professional before starting to ride it. When you are ready for your next folding bike, check out the bikes at Downtube.