Popular Questions
Q: How do I clean my bike?
We'd suggest keeping it clean with soap and water solution. Clean with a sponge or soft cloth rag. Do not spray directly with a pressure hose, as water under pressure can potentially penetrate into bearings. Just rinse it off with low pressure. Keeping your chain clean and lubricated will result in better shifting performance and longer life of your drive train.
Q: What causes chain suck?
There are a couple of things that can cause chain suck. As the chainrings wear, they develop burrs that don't release the chain very smoothly. These burrs then wear your chain, which compounds your problem. You can file the burrs off and replace the chain. If it still happens replace the chain ring. Chainsuck will also often occur in muddy or wet sandy conditions, this can sometimes be unavoidable.
Q: How much does that bike weigh?
Generally manufactures don’t give out bike weights. Most shops have a set of scales so if the weight matters that much I’m sure they will be happy to weigh it for you.
Q: How often should I service my bike?
You should service your bike a least twice a year. Regular MTB riders will service their bikes more often generally every couple of months. Serious road riders clean and check their bike most weeks. The most important thing is to check your chain for wear, replace it before it’s too stretched, you will increase the life of your sprockets and your shifting will improve.
Q: Is there a tyre that stops punctures?
There are tyres that prevent punctures but there is no tyre that guarantees to stop punctures. The best tyre for prevention is the Specialized Armadillo range of road and MTB tyres. It is also a good idea to check for glass in your tyre after a ride.
Q: What tools do I need to carry on my ride?
There are a few must haves. A good multi tool, tyre levers, pump and spare tube all being the must haves. If you MTB rider, a chain breaker and spare joining pin or link can save a long walk home. A tyre boot can come in handy if the side wall of your tyre is damaged.
Q: Why do I need gloves?
Cycling gloves are not essential but they can make your cycling more enjoyable. Gloves offer protection and comfort. The Specialized BG range is designed to reduce numbness in your hands with their gel pad on the palm specifically placed to reduce pressure on the Ulner nerve. Wearing gloves will also save the skin on the palm of your hand if you happen to crash.
Q: Will cycling shoes improve my performance?
Cycling shoes can make a big difference to your performance and comfort. The sole of a cycling shoe is a lot stiffer than other sports shoes, it will help transfer your power to the pedals increasing you speed and efficiency. Cycling shoes and pedals go hand in hand one is no good with out the other.
Q: Should I get a Hard Tail or Dual Suspension Bike?
In the end only you can decide. It really depends on the type of rider you are and the sort of events you do. Make sure you get the bike that suits your style of riding i.e. don’t buy a light weight hard tail if you are into big jumps & down hill.
Q: How do I know what size bike to buy?
Fit is one of the most difficult things to give you advice on with out seeing you. There are basic guidelines for comfort and safety, but it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you are serious then spend the money on a Dynamic Bike Fit it will be well worth the investment and you will be sure you have the correct size for your personal requirements.
