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Workshop Tips by Andy Verrall: Replace it before it is too late! · 03/09/09

Having covered cleaning and care you should think about a rolling service programme to replace parts before they wear out and let you down. The saying ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ should not apply to your bike!!

Chain:
The item on the bike that needs changing most frequently is the chain. Depending on the terrain covered and the weather etc the chain will need replacing after 1000km in the worst case, with 2000km about the best for it to keep performing well and prevent wear to the sprockets/chainrings.You may not think that this is a great distance, but you can feel the chain running so much more smoothly and efficiently when replaced regularly. The sprockets do not wear out so you can always change your wheels around whilst racing should you receive a wheel from neutral service that you are sure will grip with your chain. At first you may feel this is a high cost, but it is cheaper than new sets of sprockets and rings every year when you replace your snapped chain.

Cables:
These should also be changed frequently depending on the riding conditions and poor gear changing is most likely down to dry cables not running freely.

Gear Cables:
They need replacing the most, and if you simply change the inner cables you notice a difference in the smoothness of the gears. Changing the outer casing about twice a year should be enough. With the brakes, maybe twice a year for the inners and a yearly change of the outers.

Brake Blocks:
Modern ones stop you very well but at the same time wear down very fast and in a 200km wet race they would need replacing at the finish (you can run them lower, but you loose stopping power). In the worst case scenario, if you start a wet ride/race with low blocks you could end up with no brakes before you finish!!

Shoe Plates:
I once crashed heavily on the track as I pulled my foot out due to a worn shoe plate. Saddle height and foot position can also be affected by worn plates.

Bar Tape:
Never, never have dirty, worn tape on your bike.

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