
You don't need to be in a relationship to show some love this Valentine's day. Chances are you'll already have a special something in your life that could use your attention.
Clean your bike.
And no, don’t just take it out the garden and pressure-wash it, you need to look after its working parts. When you clean your bike, you can pretty much ignore the paintwork. OK, it’s nice to have a nice shiny bike, but it’s far more important to have one the works properly.
The Drivetrain is the bit that needs the most love. Make sure you use a chain cleaner and de-greaser to remove the old oil from the chain, then apply some chain lube and wipe off the excess. Please be warned, WD40, GT85 and similar products ARE NOT a suitable chain lube. They are too thin (they are more dispersant than lubrication) and will simply wash off as soon as you get moving, so invest in a good one.
Check your bike for wear.
There is nothing nicer than a bike that feels new and ‘tight’. If you look after your bike and gain a good basic knowledge of cycle mechanics, it is possible to keep your bike running like new. However, if you don’t look after your bike, you’ll be back in the workshop in 2-5 months complaining you have problems.
You don’t have to get yourself a Cytech qualification either, although if you want to be a mechanic that is the way forward. There are numerous books on cycle maintenance that you can flick through and learn as you go along. Tightening bolts correctly and adjusting gears can make all the difference.
Think about an upgrade.
Spring isn’t too far away and your bikes components will have taken a beating over the winter months. Now might be a good time to upgrade the wheels or the group-set to get a lighter or higher performing bike for the summer event season.
Enter some events.
If your bike has been sat in the shed or garage all winter, the entry into a race event will give you the motivation you need to dust of the bike and get stuck into a training schedule. You’ll be healthier and your bike will be back on the road, a win-win situation however you look at it. Your actual Valentine might not see it like that, but you could always buy them a bike and take them training with you.
Find a (cycling) friend.
It can be a bit daunting and actually quite boring riding on your own all the time (especially if you are a beginner). These days it’s actually quite easy to find yourself some riding buddies. You have the internet at your disposal for a start. Go on facebook and talk to some riders, or you can join a club – the British Cycling website has a full list. In my experience, you could go to a trail centre on the weekend, get chatting to a few people and ask if you can tag along. For roadies, getting involved with a club or hanging around your local shop is usually the best place to start.
One more thing...
Ok I know I said five but I just wanted to say; enjoy riding. It’s a brilliant past time and can be one of the most rewarding. If you are reading this as a beginner then don’t fear going out and getting involved in the sport. It’s not football, the participants are usually on the same wavelength as you and you’ll love it.