Gearing up for spring!
How to get the most out of your new bike

Spring is just around the corner, and so is another cycling season.

For many people, this will mean purchasing a new bike.  The first thing you need to do is talk with sales staff in your local bike shop - they'll be able to recommend a bicycle based on your needs and budget.

If you aren't sure what you're looking for, ask yourself:

  * What type of riding do you want to do?  Off-road?  Urban?  All-terrain?  Certain bikes are more suited to certain types of riding.
  * How far will you be riding?  If you plan to cover distances greater than 20 km, high pressure tires are a good choice, since they roll with less effort.
  * Do you need to carry any equipment with you?  Some bikes are built to accommodate cargo.
  * Will you be riding in hilly terrain?  If so, a sports bike with different gears is a good choice.
  * Are you planning to commute by bike?  Reliability is particularly important, if you are.  You'll also need to consider storage, terrain, distance and your own level of physical fitness.

Having the right bike is crucial to enjoying yourself, so choose wisely.  A specialty bike retailer can direct you to quality products, and back them up with capable, professional service.  You'll support the local economy, improve your health and reduce pollution, all at the same time.

Once you've chosen a bike, you'll want to do some basic maintenance to keep it in proper working order.  Every cyclist should own: a tire patch kit, a pump, a spare tube, 4mm, 5mm, and 6mm hex wrenches, 8mm and 10mm open-end wrenches, a small flat screwdriver and a Phillips head screwdriver.

These basic tools will help you keep your bike functioning safely.  A good preventative maintenance routine includes cleaning your chains, inspecting your brake pads and testing your tires.

Once you have chosen a bike, you will need to perform basic maintenance to keep it in proper working order.

Every cyclist should own a tire patch kit, a pump, a spare tube, 4mm, 5mm, and 6mm hex wrenches 8mm and 10mm open-end wrenches, a small flat screwdriver and a Phillips head screwdriver.  As well, it is a good idea to routinely clean your chains, inspect your brake pads and test your tires.

Remember your ABCs
  * A is for air (in your tires) - they should be properly inflated, perfectly straight and not worn or loose.
  * B is for brakes - they should tighten fully against the rim. Make sure your brake pads and cables aren't too worn and that your handlebars aren't loose.
  * C is for chain.  It needs to be lubricated, and tense enough that it won't fall off.
Doing all this on a regular basis will prolong your bike's life.  It's also excellent practice for any mechanical difficulties you encounter while riding.

For those considering purchasing a new bike, the Bicycle Trade Association of Canada is hosting a Cycling Pavilion at the Toronto Green Living Show, from April 25-27. Manufacturers from all over the world will be exhibiting their latest bikes and related products.

For more information on the Cycling Pavilion, bike safety and maintenance, visit www.btac.org.

See you on the trails!

The Bicycle Trade Association of Canada (BTAC) is the national voice of cycling in Canada and the hub of the Canadian bicycle industry.  BTAC advocates, builds partnerships, promotes trade and commerce and seeks to motivate, unit and inspire Canadians to make bicycling the pre-eminent form of transportation and recreation in Canada.  See www.btac.org for more information.