No matter what you’re riding it’s important to understand some basics of bicycle maintenance and upkeep before you decide to ride. There are a few things that can help to decrease rolling resistance and ensure that you’re getting the most for your pedal push and for your wallet. Some of these things are no-brainers, others are tougher to recognize without a visit to your local bike shop.

The most basic thing a person can do to squeeze every last ounce of efficiency out of their bike is to ensure the tires are properly inflated. It sounds very fundamental but it’s surprising how many people don’t pay enough attention to their tires. Some riders check their tire pressure before each ride but this is overkill for the average rider. Pay attention to the psi or pressure per square inch rating stamped on the sidewall of every tire for the proper inflation value. Stick to this number as a rule of thumb and never over inflate a tire as this can make for a dangerous riding situation. Having your tires inflated properly assures the least amount of rolling resistance, or friction created by the tire contacting the road itself. This is one way to be sure your pedal strokes are more efficiently transferred into rolling distance.

Lubricate your chain and chain rings about once every season. Cool, wet weather, which is experienced all across the US, tends to rob chains and other crucial moving parts of vital lubricant over time. After inquiring about the best type of lube for your riding habits, buy a small bottle of lubricant from your local bike shop. When you want to add lube to the chain, lift the rear tire off the ground and have someone pedal the pedals as you add lubricant to the moving chain. Try shifting into different gears as the rear wheel turns in order to coat the chain rings with lube as well. It’s really tough to do damage to your bike by over-lubrication, but without the proper lube, any bike’s moving parts will slowly deteriorate especially in extreme weather and climate conditions.

Buying clipless pedals may seem like overkill to the average bicycle enthusiast, but these accessories can actually make each pedal stroke up to 60% more efficient. Over time, this saves on energy and allows the rider to actually pull the pedals up as well as push down on them as they ride, creating a smoother motion for the leg and foot muscles. They will certainly take some getting used to but consult your local bike shop for more information on the type of clipless pedal that’s right for you.

Replacing worn-out or rusty cables can help increase the longevity and safety of your bicycle. If your shifter or brake cables are old and frayed it’s time to replace them. Buy investing as little as $10 you can replace your brake or shifter cables for silky-smooth braking and shifting. Any hints of rust or splitting of the cables is a sure sign that your cables need to be replaced. Have your local bike shop repairman do this for you to ensure the correct amount of play in your brake handles and that your ability to shift isn’t negatively affected by the new cables.

These are just a handful of ways to increase your bike’s lifespan and get the most from your machine. If you talk with you local bike shop salesperson, he or she can help steer you in the right direction if you want to go even more in depth in your pursuit of bicycle knowledge and preservation power.