As Spring arrives, heralding blooming flowers, warmer days, and longer daylight hours, it's time to awaken your e-bike from its winter slumber. Whether it's been stored away during the cold months or you've been cycling through, follow our tips to ensure your electric ride is ready for spring adventures. Riding is beckoning with the roads looking clear and with sunny skies, make sure that you have your bike all set and ready to roll. It is our simple eight-step 'tune-up' that will make your e-bike ride smooth and keep its components from unnecessary wearing and tearing. Welcome back, Spring—let the cycling season begin!
Inspect the brakes
The brake is a safety play so just before hitting the road in the spring remember to check up the brake functionality to see if everything is working fine. Begin with the pads as you run the test on the lever pressure and come up with a diagnosis of any brake disc corrosion. If you experience quick and responsive brake lever input, it is a good indication that the braking system is in good condition. However, any decrease in the sensitivity could mean a problem with the brakes. Check the sounds produced from braking that could indicate the signs of worn-out brake pads.
There are two types of e-bike brakes: hydraulic, mechanical, etc (
Understanding Brakes). Hydraulic brakes are actuated through the force of hydraulic fluid that is pushed into the braking system to clamp the brakes when the lever is pulled, and mechanical brakes are actuated through cables. Quite sometimes when you hang your e-bike, it can occasionally leak air in the hydraulic brakes and cause the lever to lose its grip, which is not the right lift. Every time you use your brakes you squeeze the lever, which can often solve the problem. If the leak is not stopped with this method, the brake fluid may be filled with air, and hydraulic bleeding is needed to fix it. For mechanical brakes, cable deformations can also occur in the long run and cause the same kind of effect, therefore, need some repairs. If in doubt, you should better consult with the licensed shop where e-bikes are serviced locally.
Check Ebike Tire Pressure
Whether you're among the adventurous cyclists persisting with your e-bike through winter or resurrecting your bike post-hibernation, checking tire pressure is essential.
Upon retrieving your ebike from storage, examine the tires for the following:
Assess tread wear to ensure tires are not bald.
Inspect for bulges or cracks; if present, replace the tires promptly.
Verify ebike tire pressure matches the manufacturer's recommended psi indicated on the sidewall.
Maintaining optimal tire condition enhances safety and ensures a smoother ride.
Check The Chain
Following a thorough wash and dry of the chain, administer a bike lubricant to the chain links. Here are some key considerations as you retrieve your bike from storage.
Inspect the chain for any signs of rust. If rust is present, replace the chain. Assess chain wear by measuring pin to pin, which should span half an inch. Ensure smooth movement of the chain around the cassette and derailleur. Stiff links may indicate issues. Apply oil if necessary, then embark on your ride.
These procedures maintain optimal chain and transmission functionality. However, exercise caution! Make sure that the grease does not get on the disc brakes or brake pads, as this can damage the performance of the brake system.
Check The Derailleurs and Shifters
Get ready for springtime cycling by making smooth gear shift transitions before your trip. If your bike has been resting for a little longer than usual and has not ridden, your derailleur most probably will need some tweaking. Assess this by taking a brief ride around the block and shifting through gears. Smooth transitions between gears indicate proper functioning. If shifts are rough or noisy, adjusting the tension on your rear derailleur is necessary. This adjustment can be easily accomplished with a Philips-head screwdriver or by seeking assistance from your local e-bike service shop.
Get Cleaned Up
Cleaning your bike regularly is a must for a prolonged bike life and years of happy riding. Initially, use a basic cleaner combined with a toothbrush and a dry towel to remove dust and dirt efficiently. It's crucial to minimize water usage to prevent potential rusting or damage to electronic components. Avoid applying spray cleaners or lubricants directly near the brake rotors, as overspray may contaminate them. Instead, apply spray cleaners to a towel and then wipe them onto the bike surface. Utilize the toothbrush to tackle stubborn dirt and debris, particularly on the drivetrain components such as the chain, under fenders, bottom bracket, down tube, and hubs.
Check pedals and bottom bracket
Before you hop onto your bike, it's important to first remove the chain from the chainring. An expert suggests, "Rotate the crank and pay attention to the smoothness of the pedals and bottom bracket rotation." There should be no resistance or lateral movement. Additionally, it's a good practice to periodically remove the pedals and bottom bracket for seasonal cleaning and lubrication.
Check all bolts and screws
Your electric bike features quick-release clamps and bolts for adjustments and tightening.
Quick Release Clamps:
Periodically check and tighten the seat post's quick-release clamp to ensure it's secure.
Bolts:
Inspect the headset bolt for rust and play between the fork column and frame. If necessary, seek professional inspection and repair. Also, tighten the stem bolt connecting the handlebars to the fork and frame as needed.
Check the stem bolt, which connects the handlebars to your ebike's fork and frame. Stand in front of your ebike, hold the front wheel between your legs, and try turning the handlebars. If they move separately from the wheel, tighten the stem bolt.
Wake Your Battery
Before you even start your e-bike, make sure that it is charged. It will ensure the full performance of your e-bike and a smooth and safe journey to your destination. As an additional point, make sure that you always plug the battery in after every trip before your next adventure. Here are the steps for properly charging e-bike batteries:
Install the battery onto the bike.
Insert the charging tip into the battery.
Connect the charger to the wall outlet.
Press the power button on the battery once to activate it.
Hold down the POWER button on the controls to activate the display.
Charge the battery for the recommended duration (2 - 5 hours) or until it reaches full charge.
For more information on battery care, visit our blog Taking Good Care of Your E-bike Battery During Winter
Don't miss out on cycling this spring, and definitely don't miss out on the important event launched by Vetanya Ebike for this spring. "
Spring Sale": Get a $200 discount on any ebike, with the Bison priced as low as $1299! Purchase any 2 ebikes and receive a free car rack. Don't miss this opportunity, act now!
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