When you have the same bicycle for a long time, no matter how well you take care of it, sometimes a part needs to be repaired or replaced with a new one. Some parts even have usage recommendations for how long they will serve. Knowing this, you can prepare in advance for the bicycle upgrade. Ensuring your bicycle parts work smoothly will ensure your safety and the longevity of the bicycle itself.
Chain
(depending on riding, maintenance conditions, manufacturer) can maintain the same quality after a distance of approximately 2414 – 4023 km. Chain wear is checked with a special tool that shows whether it has stretched to an unusable length. In order to prevent the chain from wearing out prematurely, you must use special lubricants, degreaser, and prevent the accumulation of dirt.
Cassettes and freewheels
Even with proper maintenance of the bicycle, the chain wears out in the long run and negatively affects the cassettes and freewheels. Generally, replacement of cassettes and freewheels is recommended when replacing the second or third chain. You should replace the chainrings when you notice that the teeth are worn or missing. In order to maintain the proper quality of the cassettes and freewheels, it is advised to regularly clean the dirt from them and try to keep them clean.
Brake pads
Brakes are a key part of safety, so if they fail or don't work properly, you won't be able to control your bicycle, putting yourself and others at risk. Just like in cars, the brake pads on bicycles eventually wear out from frequent use.
V-shaped, road bicycle brakes must be replaced when the rubber wears out (the teeth and ridges that are present in new brakes are no longer visible). In disc bikes, it is recommended to change the brakes when the 3-4 mm wide pads reach 1 mm thick.
Tires
Tires usually have wear indicators, so by following the markings you can clearly know when the tires are good and when it is advisable to replace them with new ones. Of course, when a tire is cracked, it is advisable to replace it as soon as possible, instead of trying to repair the crack in various ways. Reminder: the front tire wears faster than the rear tire.
Cables
These parts must also be lubricated regularly, the condition of the bicycle must be constantly monitored, otherwise it can quickly start to become difficult to move due to dirt inside, rust or break altogether. This is a small part of the bicycle and is fairly easy to replace (it is recommended to replace the cable armor at the same time). Changing this part also ensures faster braking, gear shifting.
Of course, just because these parts have been singled out doesn't mean that other parts of the bicycle don't need maintenance. All parts must be replaced when they break or endanger the safety of the cyclist or other road users.