Schwinn Bike Tuning Guide

Schwinn Bike Tuning Guide

Schwinn Cycle and Fitness LP was one of the most successful bicycle manufacturers of the 20th century. Although the company lost some of its market in the 1980s, it still remains one of the best bicycle manufacturers in the world and is recognized for its quality products. However, as with any bicycle, Schwinn products require occasional maintenance to continue operating in the best conditions.

Importance

Performing a tuning of your Schwinn bike will help you to operate smoothly and extend the useful life of your investment. How often you should service your bike depends on how often you ride it. The general lubrication of the parts prevents corrosion, and checking the braking and speed cables for wear ensures that every time the mounts will be used safely. Checking tire pressure and spoke tension regularly also guarantees the stability of the wheels when used.

Time period

Before each use, Schwinn recommends that you check tire pressure, brake operation and spoke tension. Your bicycle should be greased on the brakes, chain and derailleur once a week. The derailleur, brakes and speed cables should be checked in relation to the proper setting each month. The tires should be aligned, the pedals should be tightened, the steering should be aligned and all bolts and nuts should be tightened monthly. Every six months, the brake linings and chain should be replaced if necessary.

Expert opinion

In an interview in 2009 with PopularMechanics. com, the former bicycle mechanic of President George W. Bush, Santiago "Pinkey" Gonzalez, indicated that all services to a bicycle should be carried out in a clean and wide area to work. It also indicates that the lack of lubrication in the components of a bicycle is the main cause of breakdowns, so carrying out a weekly lubrication review is critical to the life of the bicycle.

Considerations

Although Schwinn gives general guidelines on how often your bicycles should be maintained, mounting them frequently will cause maintenance to be necessary more frequently. Also, what tools you have on hand can limit the type of maintenance you can perform. Although most of the tools necessary to maintain a Schwinn bike are found in almost any garage, some repairs require special tools that an amateur mechanic may not have.

Warning

You should not attempt to maintain parts of the bicycle that you are unfamiliar with or comfortable with.The adjustment of the steering and post and the alignment of the wheels can be difficult for beginners. If they are done incorrectly you can permanently damage the bearings or wheels. If you are not sure of the maintenance procedure, consult the Schwinn user manual or take your bike to a certified mechanic.

Video Tutorial: The 1 Hour Tune Up - How To Make Your Bike Feel Like New.

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