Want to get back into cycling, about to move right next to a giant park on Lake Washington and I feel my health and fitness slipping away year by year. I’ve been off of a bike for the last 14 years since I graduated high school. My dad has this Novara Corsa he bought from REI decades ago which I will be using. Can’t find a ton of information about it. What should I do to get it into prime condition?
by YourFriendlyButthole
2 Comments
Pump up the tires and lube the chain.
If you want to learn bike maintenance from a starting point of zero, your best bet is finding a bike cooperative or collective. They will have tools, repair stands and most important the knowledge.
Common in bike friendly communities, college towns, most major cities and other areas.
Not an exhaustive list and a bit out of date (there’s one still listed in me area that’s inactive). This is a start you, will want to do a wider search.
[Bike Co-op list](https://www.bikecollectives.org/wiki/Community_Bicycle_Organizations)
Well, first try if it works properly (no creaking, clicking,) and smoothly
check tyres – I would suggest replacing them if they are decade old (rubber losses its properties with age)
if the chain is not stretched (you need tool for to check that) clean it (completely degrease) and lube the chain (tutorial online)
check breaks, clean rubber break pads (or replace)
set and tune drive train (front and back derailleur) so it shift smoothly
lube or replace all cables (and their housings)
check pedals (mainly if they turn smoothly)
check wheels (mainly if they turn smoothly and if they rotate straight) and sprockets tension (they will make same sound when pinged)
tighten any loose screw that should be tight