Tips Archive:

Hot Tip of the Month- September 2005: "Servicing your bikes after the break in period"

After your new bikes arrive, there will be an air of excitement, and then the bikes will be plunged into the commercial group exercise abyss. Class after class, drenched in sweat, big people, small people, fit people, unfit people, and people with and without proper form will be hammering the new bikes. They will undoubtedly be going through a break in period where everything will loosen up, the bearings will seat, and hardware will be strained. Usually after 40 -50 hours of initial use, the bikes should be re-adjusted; chain tension should be set ,flywheel alignment could be off, incidental hardware should be3 removed and lubed in consideration of future repairs. It all makes a difference, especially if you look at the long road ahead, after the new bike excitement wears thin and you get down to brass tacks. This is one of the most critical and overlooked periods in the bikes lifespan. Take care of your bikes and your members will be happy.