Tips: Daily care and storage points
・Storage tips
It is best to store your bicycle indoors or under a roof, away from rain, wind and direct sunlight .
Storing your bike indoors will protect it from rain, preventing rust on the chain and gears, and reducing deterioration of the paint and tires due to ultraviolet rays.
However, storing your bicycle indoors requires a lot of space, and it can be a hassle to bring it inside every time.
In reality, most people will store their bikes outdoors, but by covering them with a waterproof and UV-blocking bike cover , you can protect your bike not only from rain, wind, and dirt, but also from rust and deterioration.
* BICYCOVER bicycle covers block over 90% of UV rays . For more information on BICYCOVER bicycle covers, click here.
If you don't want to bother putting a cover on it, you can just cover your child's seat to prevent deterioration from UV rays.
*For more information on BICYCOVER child seat covers, click here
・Daily maintenance to extend the life of your bicycle
Driving with low tire pressure can not only damage the tire, but can also cause a flat tire, so press down on the tire with your hand and if it is clearly low in air, add more air.
BICYCOVER's easy-to-use electric tire pump makes daily tire pressure maintenance a breeze! Click here for more details.
Be careful not to leave your bike wet for too long after riding . The metal parts around the chain and gears are particularly prone to rust, so taking care of those areas will help prevent rust.
Regularly applying a small amount of oil to the chain will not only prevent the bike from feeling heavy when pedaling, but will also help prevent rust.
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Indoor storage : Protects from rain, wind, and UV rays, and is less likely to rust. However, it requires a large space.
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Outdoor storage : Use a waterproof and UV-resistant bicycle cover to prevent deterioration.
- Check the air pressure before riding: Filling the tires to the specified amount will prevent punctures and deterioration.
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Cleaning after riding : Avoid leaving the bike wet for long periods of time to prevent rust.
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Chain oiling : Wipe off any dirt from the chain and apply some chain oil. This not only makes riding more comfortable, but also prevents the chain from rusting.
Beginner's Maintenance: Three Basic Checks
Air pressure check
First, make sure to inflate your tires properly. It is most important to pump the tires up to the correct air pressure indicated on the side of the tire.
Insufficient air in your tires can make them more susceptible to punctures and cause them to wear out faster, so be sure to check your tires with a pump that has an air pressure gauge before commuting to work or school.
*The recommended air pressure is written on the side of the tire.
BICYCOVER's easy-to-use electric air pump allows you to set the air pressure value so that the correct air pressure is inflated.
Brake operation check:
Before each ride, squeeze the brake lever to check its effectiveness and pull. If the lever feels loose and the brakes are not working properly, refrain from using the bike and have it inspected and adjusted at a specialist store.
As you use your brakes, the wires will stretch and the brake shoes will wear down, causing them to lose effectiveness. Brakes are the most important device for ensuring the safety of your bicycle , so be sure to check them.
Light/bell confirmation:
Check that the lights and bell are working properly. These are especially important when riding at night, so be sure to check their operation during your daily inspections.
Driving without lights is not only dangerous for you, but also for those around you as it slows down the chance of being spotted.
Intermediate maintenance: Checking for dirt and worn parts
Car wash/cleaning:
Wash your bike thoroughly on a regular basis: Lather up a bucket of mild detergent and gently scrub the frame and rims from top to bottom with a sponge or soft brush.
Check tire condition:
Check your tires for signs of wear and tear, such as cracks or worn tread. If the tread starts to disappear, it's a sign that the tires are nearing the end of their life and it's time to replace them.
Brake inspection:
Check the remaining amount of brake pads, their wear, and any dirt. If you have rim brakes, wipe off any sand or other foreign matter trapped in the pads. If you have disc brakes, make sure the rotors and pads are free of oil. If you notice any unusual noises or poor braking performance, take your bike to a specialist shop as soon as possible for maintenance.
Transmission maintenance:
If shifting is sluggish, check the wires for rust, stretching, or fraying, and adjust the tension as necessary. If there is heavy dirt, remove it with a brush to maintain smooth shifting. If there is a large discrepancy, have a shop adjust it. 
Chain lubrication:
If the chain is heavy or noisy, remove any dirt with a special cleaner and apply a small amount of chain oil. After applying the oil, wipe off any excess with a cloth to make the chain less susceptible to dirt.
Wheel wobble check:
Spin the wheel and visually check for any wobble from side to side. If there is any wobble that concerns you, have it serviced at a bicycle shop.
Advanced Maintenance: Maintaining Accuracy and Safety
Tightening screws and nuts:
Regularly check the bolts on the stem, handlebars, seatpost clamp, carrier, etc. to make sure they are not loose. Generally, bicycle bolts and nuts have a set tightening torque, so it is common to set the tightening strength with a torque wrench and then tighten them.
Chain disassembly and cleaning:
If the chain is extremely dirty, remove it, clean it, and remove any old oil stains between the pins and links. Grease and oil the chain afterwards to extend the life of the drivetrain (beginners should consult a shop).
Electric Assist Vehicle Battery Care:
If you will not be using the battery for an extended period of time, store it indoors with the battery charged to about 40-60%. Avoid extreme discharge or overcharging, avoid high temperatures and humidity, and be sure to wipe off any moisture or dirt from the terminals frequently.
Child seat bicycle inspection:
Whether you are using a child seat on the front or rear of the car, check for loose mounting bolts and damage or deformation to the frame , and also check the condition of the seat belts and foot rest guards. The parts that attach to the carrier are particularly important for safety.
If you use the above points as a guideline for daily inspections and take care of your bike within reasonable limits, you will be able to maintain your bike's riding performance and extend the life of its parts.
Please carry out simple maintenance at home to ensure safe riding. You can ride even safer by having your bike inspected regularly at a bicycle specialty store.
