General Maintenance cont’d Inspection of the Bearings cont’d
Wheel Bearings
Lift each end of the bicycle off of the ground and slowly spin the raised wheel by hand. The
bearings are correctly adjusted if:
• The wheel spins freely and easily.
• The weight of the spoke reflector, when you put it toward the front or rear of the bicycle,
causes the wheel to spin back and forth several times.
• There is no side-to-side movement at the wheel rim when you push it to the side with light
force.
Lubrication
WARNING: Do not over lubricate. If oil gets on the wheel rims or the brake shoes,
it will reduce brake performance and a longer distance to stop the bicycle will be
necessary. Injury to the rider or to others can occur.
• The chain can throw excess oil onto the wheel rim. Wipe excess oil off the chain otherwise injury to
the rider or to others can occur.
• Keep all oil off the surfaces of the pedals where your feet rest otherwise injury to the rider or to
others can occur.
• Using soap and hot water, wash all oil off the wheel rims, brake shoes, pedals and the tires. Rinse
with clean water and dry completely before you ride the bicycle.
• Using a light machine oil (20W) and the following guidelines, lubricate the bicycle:
What When How
Brake Levers Every 6 months Put one drop of oil on the pivot point of each brake
lever.
Caliper Brakes Every 6 months Put one drop of oil on the pivot point of each caliper
brake.
Brake Cables Every 6 months Put four drops of oil into both ends of each cable.
Allow the oil to soak back along the cable wire.
Pedals Every 6 months Put four drops of oil where each pedal axle goes into
the pedal.
Chain Every 6 months Put one drop of oil on each roller of the chain. Wipe
all excess oil off of the chain.
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