Bikes. What are they anyway? A series of tubes? A connection to the ground? Pleasure craft? Something your family doesn’t want to hear about anymore?

We hate to inform you, but even here at Easton Cycling, we’re never really sure what bikes are. For a few of us they are the only object that projects a modicum of sanity in an unchained world. A way to propel oneself forward through time and space to both escape and embrace the moments we are in. Hot tub time machine be damned.

But what happens when that object starts to rebel? It is, of course, a series of tubes. And when one part of the bike starts to squawk, it can create a resonance chamber that fills the heart with sorrow.

Should you start hearing the complaints from your bike, do a few things before heading on your next ride (or even to a skilled mechanic, which we recommend) as they might fix your problem.

• Lube your chain. But not too much. Use dry lube should you be riding in dry conditions, and wet, well, when it’s wet out or you intend to ford a stream. But don’t forget – applying chain lube is not a contest in quantity. Ensure each roller is lubricated, let it sink in as you run the chain, but ensure to remove excess with a rag as it will attract and hold dirt.
• Check your drivetrain for wear. Teeth with noticeable denting and missing material can cause more chain stretch and create a noisy and unsafe drivetrain.
• Check your chainring bolts. Sometimes, should these loosen, they can cause friction at the point of power output, making noise. If they are loose, consider removing them and applying locite before tightening to 12mm upon reinstallation.
• Check your through axles (disc) or QR axles. Use some grease to lube the axle and anywhere there is contact. Axles can become dry and rub, though do ensure you tighten them back to specification.
• Ensure your headset is properly tightened. Knocking or creaking can occur I there is play here.
• Check your cassette lockring – these can sometimes loosen under repeated load and make noise – (not to mention affecting your shifting!).
• Check your saddle. Saddle rails can sometimes begin to wear at the contact point and cause creaking.
• Grease your crank spindle. Where the spindle contacts the bearings most specifically.
• If you have the tools, remove, grease and reinstall your bottom bracket. Many problems can be solved with a nicely installed BB.

This checklist is not exhaustive, but can help with some on the smaller issues that might have you scratching your head.

Remember, bicycle maintenance is therapeutic. And dirty. But that’s part of the fun.

Bikes. What are they anyway? A series of tubes? A connection to the ground? Pleasure craft? Something your family doesn’t want to hear about anymore?

We hate to inform you, but even here at Easton Cycling, we’re never really sure what bikes are. For a few of us they are the only object that projects a modicum of sanity in an unchained world. A way to propel oneself forward through time and space to both escape and embrace the moments we are in. Hot tub time machine be damned.

But what happens when that object starts to rebel? It is, of course, a series of tubes. And when one part of the bike starts to squawk, it can create a resonance chamber that fills the heart with sorrow.

Should you start hearing the complaints from your bike, do a few things before heading on your next ride (or even to a skilled mechanic, which we recommend) as they might fix your problem.

• Lube your chain. But not too much. Use dry lube should you be riding in dry conditions, and wet, well, when it’s wet out or you intend to ford a stream. But don’t forget – applying chain lube is not a contest in quantity. Ensure each roller is lubricated, let it sink in as you run the chain, but ensure to remove excess with a rag as it will attract and hold dirt.
• Check your drivetrain for wear. Teeth with noticeable denting and missing material can cause more chain stretch and create a noisy and unsafe drivetrain.
• Check your chainring bolts. Sometimes, should these loosen, they can cause friction at the point of power output, making noise. If they are loose, consider removing them and applying locite before tightening to 12mm upon reinstallation.
• Check your through axles (disc) or QR axles. Use some grease to lube the axle and anywhere there is contact. Axles can become dry and rub, though do ensure you tighten them back to specification.
• Ensure your headset is properly tightened. Knocking or creaking can occur I there is play here.
• Check your cassette lockring – these can sometimes loosen under repeated load and make noise – (not to mention affecting your shifting!).
• Check your saddle. Saddle rails can sometimes begin to wear at the contact point and cause creaking.
• Grease your crank spindle. Where the spindle contacts the bearings most specifically.
• If you have the tools, remove, grease and reinstall your bottom bracket. Many problems can be solved with a nicely installed BB.

This checklist is not exhaustive, but can help with some on the smaller issues that might have you scratching your head.

Remember, bicycle maintenance is therapeutic. And dirty. But that’s part of the fun.