How to Give Tandem Bicycles the Best & Easiest Maintenance

With the safety and enjoyment of two people at stake, it's important to not neglect maintenance on a tandem bike. Fortunately, it doesn't take many tools nor a mechanical background to properly maintain your tandem. With only a few steps, you'll be able to keep your bike performing at its best.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Chain Wear Indicator
Bike Degreaser
Rags
Bike Lube
Floor Pump with Pressure Gage

Step 1

Measure your chain to make sure it is not over-stretched. Bike chains stretch over time. After too much stretch, the chain will no longer align with the bike's gears. When this happens, you wear out your gears, which becomes an expensive replacement. When you measure your chain on a regular basis, you'll know when it's time to replace it. You can find a chain wear indicator at your local bike store. They cost between $15 and $30, are simple to use, and will save you money in the long run.

Step 2

Keep your chain clean. Gunk collects on your chain, making it pass roughly over your gears. To clean your chain, flip your tandem upside-down so it will balance on its own. Cover the chain with a generous layer of bike de-greaser. Let the de-greaser sit as directed on the bottle's instructions. Next, pinch a rag around the chain, then pedal backwards. As you pedal, the grease from your chain will come off on this rag. Repeat this process until you no longer have black stuff coming off your chain.

Step 3

Lube the chain. Place a drop of your favorite lube onto each link of the chain. Make sure to go over the entire chain. Once it's completely lubed, take a clean rag and wipe off any excess lube. A couple turns of the pedals will do the trick. A chain that is over-lubed will quickly attract all the gunk you just cleaned off.

Step 4

Keep your tires at the appropriate PSI. Maintaining proper tire pressure will help prevent flats. To find your tire's PSI, look on the tire's sidewall. It will typically be written as a range. For example, 35Min-85Max. If your tires become too low, they are more likely to compress completely as you ride over an obstacle, causing a pinch flat. Invest in a floor pump with a pressure gauge and check your tires before each ride.

Resources

Chain Wear Indicator from Park Tools

Article Written By Kathrine Cole

Kathrine Cole is a professional outdoor educator. She teaches rock climbing, backpacking, cycling, and bike maintenance classes. She is a graduate of the National Outdoor Leadership School, a Wilderness First Responder, and a Leave No Trace Trainer.

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