How to make your bike run easier?

First and foremost, you should carefully inspect it. For obvious reasons, this guide is aimed at those who are just starting out with DIY maintenance or simply want to troubleshoot a problem. I know from experience that a few simple steps can radically transform your riding experience. If you're unsure how to make your bike run more smoothly and are frustrated by the constant strain of pedaling, check out the items listed below. And don't laugh at the "obvious" ones!

How can I make my bike run smoother? The reasons are usually simple.

Most often, they result from neglected maintenance or errors. Of course, it's possible that the part generating the resistance has worn out. However, before replacing it, it's worth checking whether the problem can be fixed more quickly (and much more cheaply).

Inflate your tires

I can't count the times someone has come to the service center with a bike (usually very dusty) and said it was working suspiciously hard. What can I do to make the bike run smoother? Replace the gears? Lubricate the bearings? The reaction to the technician pumping up the tires can even be indignant. This quickly fades after a test ride. Every tire has the correct pressure printed on the sidewall – we recommend using a pump with a pressure gauge. And it's important to remember that bicycle tire pressures are usually much higher than those in cars, which many people use as a reference.

Oil the chain

Another obvious fact that many users forget. Especially in extreme cases, with a dry or rusty drivetrain, this can make a huge difference. After all, there are a lot of moving, slipping parts. Choosing the right oil is a separate issue, but that's secondary.

How can I make my bike run smoother? Adjust the brakes.

At the very least, check that the brake pads aren't rubbing against the disc or the braking surface of the rim at any point. This could be caused by poor alignment or warping. V-brakes, for example, can be quickly adjusted yourself. In the case of inexpensive disc brakes, warped discs often cause drag and noise. Adjusting them, however, is a bit more challenging – we recommend leaving it to a service center.

Adjust the gears accordingly

How can you make your bike smoother? Use it correctly. Many people are afraid to maneuver the gears (I remember some kids at school being told by their parents not to use derailleurs, "because you'll break them"). There's a common tendency to ride with a very hard gear. Instead, simply shifting to the middle of the range is enough. Pedaling with a higher cadence (i.e., more intensely, but with less resistance) requires breaking the habit, but it quickly becomes a habit. And it renews the joy of easy cycling.

Check if anything is rubbing

Especially fenders. The same goes for racks, pumps, and other accessories. All it takes is something that's bent or loose. Or maybe it's too-wide tires rubbing against the frame? Or an old dynamo?

How can I make my bike run smoother? Check the condition of my bearings.

Servicing bearings is a bit more advanced, but anyone can easily check if they're working properly. Just spin the wheel in the air. It should spin for a long time and then come to a slow, smooth stop, even reversing slightly. It shouldn't have any lateral play. If you can easily remove the chain, check the bottom bracket bearings by turning the crank.

If you're still not satisfied, don't waste time and take your bike to a repair shop. An experienced mechanic will quickly determine the cause and propose a solution.