Step 1: Wash the bike thoroughly

You can start by washing your bike first. Through the fall and winter, bikes can be very dirty. Mud, leaves, grass, … So it is very important to clean your bike well before spring. Clean the frame of your bike with lukewarm soapy water from dish soap or car shampoo. Use a dishwashing brush or sponge to do this. You can wash the smaller parts with a toothbrush. After this, rinse the bike with the garden hose. After washing, let the bike dry and wipe again with a dry cloth. If you have an electric bike, it is important not to turn the bike upside down when washing it. In doing so, you run the risk of damaging the display or battery.

Step 2: Check the tread depth of your tires

It is important to rinse the tires well. You can then also check if the tires still have enough tread. A tire with a coarser tread gives more grip. Is this no longer the case? Then it’s time to replace them. Also check that the tires still have adequate pressure. Check for air leaking from the tires when you inflate them, because that means your tire is flat.

Step 3: Check your bike’s nuts and bolts

In fact, these can become somewhat loose due to all the wetness of fall and winter. So check that these are still tightened and you can also grease them with petroleum jelly if necessary. You can replace the rusty ones.

Step 4: Lubricate the bicycle chain

Clean the chain first with a special chain cleaner. You can do this by rotating the chain and simultaneously drip it with the cleaner. Once you have let it soak in, rub the chain clean with a cotton cloth. Once the chain is completely clean, go back to lubricating it with chain grease or chain oil. You can spin the pedals once at the end to spread the lubricant well.

Step 5: Test all components

Finally, the brakes and lights must be tested. If your bike has been standing for a while, the batteries of the lights may run down and the brakes may feel stiff. You can also check that your lock is still functioning properly.

With an electric bike, it is wise to have your battery checked after winter. If you haven’t used your pedelec for a while, the performance of your battery decreases and that can affect your range. So it is important to have your bike dealer check to make sure the battery still has enough capacity.

If you perform all these steps, there is nothing stopping you from enjoying your favorite two-wheeler in the coming months.

Cyclis wishes you much cycling fun this spring!