Bicycle dealers from the region explain what needs to be considered before you get on your bike when the first warm rays of sunshine come up.
Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen – Spring is slowly arriving and for many people it's time to get the bike out of the basement again.
But before you get on your bike, the bike has to be whipped into shape.
Bicycle dealers from the region explain what needs to be considered.
Take a test ride for a safe start to the cycling season
"Before you use the bike again, you should definitely do a test ride," says Aylin Ehliz, Managing Director of "GipfelBiker" in Lenggries.
For example, it can be determined whether the chain engages correctly and can be shifted without problems.
For a safe journey, it is also very important to check the functionality of the brakes.
The main thing here is whether there is still enough material in the brake pads, explains the specialist dealer.
"But without a practiced eye, it's difficult to determine." To be on the safe side, she therefore advises having a small inspection carried out by a specialist dealer.
After all, safety is always the top priority when riding a bike.
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Check tires and tire pressure regularly
To ensure that there is enough air in the bicycle tire, the tire pressure should be checked regularly and the tire pumped up if necessary.
According to the expert, there is no general guideline.
The right air pressure depends both on the individual use and on the model of the bike.
"Anyone who is out and about on a mountain bike in the mountains, for example, needs lower tire pressure than someone who only rides on the road," explains the specialist dealer.
Ehliz therefore recommends using an air pump with a pressure gauge.
"The same applies to bicycle tires as to cars: If there is enough air in the tires, they will last longer," adds Georg Grommes, owner of "GG-Radsport" in Geretsried.
In addition to the air pressure, the tires should also be checked for external damage such as cracks.
A worn chain can be dangerous
There are also a few things to consider when it comes to bicycle chains.
"The length of the chain should be measured regularly in order to be able to determine wear-related stretching," says Grommes.
This can also be checked at home using a so-called chain gauge.
According to the expert, a worn chain can damage the pinions of the gears or, in the worst case, tear while driving.
For this reason, a bicycle chain should be changed after around two thousand kilometers.
Thoroughly clean and oil the chain
To ensure that the chain runs smoothly again, Peter Lindner, owner of "baycicle factory" in Bad Tölz, recommends cleaning it thoroughly and then oiling it.
"The best way to clean the chain is with a chain cleaner and an old toothbrush or a cloth," explains Lindner.
It is important to dry the bicycle chain well before lubricating it.
His tip: let the chain oil soak in overnight.
Finally, excess oil can be wiped off with a cloth.
Check lighting and reflectors
If you also ride your bike in traffic, you should make sure that the bike meets the requirements of the road traffic regulations.
In addition to functional lighting, this also includes the presence of reflectors, according to Lindner.
Otherwise a fine may be due.
E-bike battery should not be too cold
E-bike owners who have stored their battery over the winter can put it back into their bike without hesitation, says the expert.
"Before charging for the first time, however, the battery should only be brought back to room temperature if it was previously stored in a cooler room," advises Lindner.
Season got off to a good start with dealers in the region
The season has already got off to a good start for the bicycle dealers in the region.
"The demand is definitely there," says Ehliz.
You can fall back on "full warehouses".
According to the dealer, e-bikes are still in trend.
Lindner can also confirm this: "E-mountain bikes are particularly popular at the moment."
Anyone who is toying with the idea of buying a bike in the near future must be prepared for increased prices due to the current crises.
The price development is also dependent on the model, explains Lindner.
"For models that are not in such high demand, it is quite possible that the prices will stagnate or even fall again."
By Franziska Selter
You can find more current news from the region around Bad Tölz at Merkur.de/Bad Tölz.