San Diego Cycling: Bicycle Maintenance Tips for Your Tires

Want More Use Out of Bike Tires?

Implementing an ongoing bicycle maintenance program ensures that your bike operates the way that it should. It minimizes the chances of a breakdown that could compromise your safety. Taking a proactive approach to bike maintenance lessens the possibility of an interruption of one of your favorite San Diego cycling rides, fitness cycling routines or errand runs. Your tires receive more wear and tear than any other component on your bicycle. Inspecting your tires, as well as other components, before taking your bike on the road, enables you to identify potential problems before they become repairs or bicycle safety issues.

Inspect Your Tires before Going on the Road

Always check the condition and the air pressure of your tires because air naturally seeps out over time. Taking to the road with an improperly inflated tire virtually ensures that the tire goes soft on you in a small amount of time. If you see the valve stem sticking out of the rim at an angle, the tire needs some air. If you hit a bump, you will likely experience a flat tire or even damage the rim. The frequency of inflating your tires depends on the type of bike you ride.

Usually road bike tires need air once a week. Hybrids need air about every two weeks and mountain bikes need a fresh supply of air every two to three weeks. On the side of the tire, you can look at the labeling to determine the proper amount of air. A road bike requires about 100 psi, hybrids 75 psi and mountain bikes 65 psi. There are some immediate benefits to keeping the tire inflated with the maximum amount of air pressure:

  • You will find pedaling less challenging
  • Your tires will last longer
  • It prevents damaging the rims
  • Your bike is less prone to getting a flat

Pay Attention When Riding

Pay attention to the condition of the bike path or the road. Avoid, as much as you possibly can, debris, such a nails, glass, wire, jagged rocks and anything that that shines. You may save yourself the hassle of repairing a flat tire by simply getting off your bike and walking to avoid shards of glass and anything else that may cause problems with your tires.

Post-Ride Inspection

When you get home, take a few minutes to perform an inspection of your tires. Examine them under a bright light, and look for embedded debris, tiny cuts or puncture. These items have a way of turning into flat tires repairs later on down the line. Take a small screwdriver and dig out rubble and other debris. Fill the breach with super glue or shoe goo. Deflate the tire, and then re-fill it with air to help the adhesive cure and seal the breach.

San Diego bike accident attorney Joshua Bonnici, a bicycle commuter with years of cycling experience in San Diego and throughout California, offers this bicycle maintenance resource to you. If you suffered injury or property damage in a cycling accident due to a negligent motorist, contact attorney Dudek for a free no cost obligation to discuss your case.