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Should I Replace Both Bike Tires at the Same Time?

Taking proper care of your bicycle tires is key in ensuring you get a safe ride to your destination. Every cyclist yearns for their tires to be in great shape and size. There’s no better way to ensure this than checking on them. Then you can determine whether you need to replace your bicycle tires or not.

When can I replace bicycle tires?

Tire punctures are a common predicament that most bicycle owners attest to. A big cut or split comes by when you get a sudden puncture from nails or screws leading to a blowout. A small hole caused by broken glass results in a slow leak over time.

Tires wear out after prolonged use on the road. This is due to insufficient inflation pressure leading to poor bicycle performance. Its treads wear out forming flat surfaces at the centerline and it squares off to the sides.

In most instances, the rear tire wears out more than the front. This is because more weight acts on it but the lighter you are, the longer they will last.

Should I replace bicycle tires at the same time?

You need to take note that the front and rear wheels don’t wear off at the same time. This is because the rear wheel balances frictional force and the effect of wind on the front wheel. There’s no need to replace the front wheel if its treads are in good shape. This happens because the frictional resistance of the rear wheel is greater.

Physical damage on both tires will need you to replace both of them at the same time. You need to replace bicycle tires at the same time when in use for an extra five years from the manufacturing date. You can change them to ensure both tires maintain uniform treads. Always keep in mind that the rear wheel balances your weight.

Seasoned riders often replace the rear wheel most of the time while the front wheel remains. Professional cyclists often replace both wheels. This is because the tires get worn out after spending many days on the road. For them, the need to maintain grip is crucial in determining how well they’ll cycle.

How can I replace bike tires?

Begin by releasing the brake pad and loosening the axle nut for you to release the bike tire. Then go on to release the tire through prying it down then releasing it along the rim. It’s to your advantage if you own a released bike tire that gets the break-off and releases the lever on the axle.

Remove the damaged tube by taking one bead or edge off the rim for an easy release. Pull out the tube and remove the tire then place it on your neck to turn it inside out. If you aren’t certain of how to carry out the procedure, better visit your bicycle manual or get an expert.

Fix the bike tube by placing one bead on the rim leaving the other side loose to install the working tube. Always check out for any spaces between the tire and rim after fixing the tire. Do this by pushing it against the bead while you check if the space between the tire and rim is clear.

Should I get a new bike tire or a tube?

When your tire has an inner tube, you need to replace it once a cut of above 2 millimeters is in the casing. But you generally repair the tire tubes rather than the tires. The tube often wears off due to exposure to chemicals from the road grime and mud.

The tires are usually affected by wear and tear. This is due to the frictional force acting on the road and tires that make treads wear out. The tire fabric ends up getting damaged and forms a visible bulge. This might be the cause of most accidents occurring as a result of bumping while rolling.

Conclusion

Before replacing bicycle tires you need to identify the type of physical damage. It can be a small hole caused by a sharp object or the worn out treads. So ensure you do it right to avoid the occurrence of an accident. It isn’t necessary for you to replace both tires at the same time. 

SR Suntour Xcm Review

SR Suntour Xcm is a disk fork holding the front wheel to a mountain bike. It’s attached to racks, brakes and fenders located along with the blades, close to fork ends and in the crown. It’s gloss black and well-furnished to enhance its appearance. It features the following characteristics:

Its composition

It’s made up of a pair of blades that have a crown at its top and is located at the front most of the fork. It has an arch that connects the lower parts of the fork to the axle, placed in front of the stanchion tubes. 

Above it, a steering tube connects the fork, handlebars and bicycle through a stem that enables riders to steer ahead with ease. The head tube has a headset on it and is made of bearings connecting the bicycle frame and the steerer tube.

Fork ends to attach the wheel to it and are located at the lower end of the fork. It uses the axle or a swift to release skewer going via a hollow axle to ensure it remains clamped.

Materials used to model it

The lower part is composed of aluminum, which is lightweight but offers high strength to breakage when compared to steel with three times the density it has.  This ensures you don’t feel too much weight when steering ahead.

It isn’t prone to corrosion due to the formation of an oxide layer that prevents rusting. It has an added advantage over other forks with its ability to get serviced hence used for longer periods.

The upper part is steel made offering high strength and toughness to the bicycle attachment. It’s highly ductile enabling it to resist high pressure that may lead to deformation. It’s highly durable and can last you a lifetime of cycles with the ease of weighing 5.7lbs.

The dimensions

The fork is composed of offset, length of the steer tube, length, width, and diameter of the steer tube. Always ensure you check the size of the wheel before considering the angle of the frame to determine offset.

A head-angle that is slack goes well with forks having more offset while large wheels require little rake than small ones. Mountain bikes have larger wheels hence require less offset to reduce the wheel tendency to fill out.

It has a length of 29 inches whose measurements end at the center of the axel in the front wheel and begin from the lower end of the bearing at the bottom in a parallel manner.

It has a width of 110mm achieved by measuring it collinear with the axel of the front wheel between the internal edges of the fork ends. The steerer tube has a diameter of 28.6 mm and it’s tapered at the end ensuring it’s stiffer and less flexible to keep on holding its grip on the wheel.

Suspension ability

The steering axis is placed in front of the fork by the offset by carving the blades onward or positioning the fork heads forward of the blade’s centerline. The importance of curved forks is to act as shock absorbers while that of the rake is to decrease distance covered from the ground to the navigation axis. A bicycle using it reduces the effort required to turn at bends.

It has a set of shock absorbers on the upper and lower telescoping tube blades often referred to as blades. It’s lighter, robust and offers high suspension to the wheels. This makes your mountain bike go through rough terrains and extreme conditions in the mountain thicket.

It offers 100 mm of travel for going through extreme terrains downhill and cross-country applications. More reason why it’s listed among the sophisticated suspension forks in recent years.

You can also adjust it to suit an uphill or downhill ride where the latter requires more suspension. For efficient suspension, it has a coil spring designed to enable you to feel linear hooked response all through the journey.

Conclusion

The SR Suntour bicycle rake gives you a chance to go through various mountain terrains with ease. It’s an affordable product made in Taiwan and one loved by many cyclists that’s why it sells out fast on Amazon. Ensure you get one now for an amazing ride through the mountains and long-lasting experience.

Best Bicycle for 500 lb Person

If you are a 500 lb person, in most cases, you experience bicycle breakings. You have to replace the bicycle due to small saddles and bent spokes or you end up buying a new bicycle over and over without getting one that serves you for the long run. 

Over the few years, bicycle manufacturers have worked on this issue while putting into consideration your weight and comfort while still maintaining speed and durability. Below is a guide on the best type of bicycle to consider before purchasing, among other factors.

What to look out for when getting the best bicycle for 500 lb person

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Overweight people find it hard to get the perfect bicycle due to the weight limit, and exceeding it leads to breakage. Different bicycle brands model their bikes to suit different weights. Below are some of the factors to consider before purchasing one.

Bike weight limits                     

The bike weight limit solely relies on the type of bike and both the intended and non-intended purpose. For proportionality, specialists determine the weight and size of a rider and the maximum load capacity of bikes before computing it against the strength of materials used to make it. It’s clear now that road bikes are different from mountain bikes structural wise and how they function.

Putting together the structural weight limit, the rider’s weight, cargo/luggage weight and the recommended maximum weight per the braking standards build up the bike weight limit. 

Choose a bike made of durable and robust material such as steel alloy that can withstand heavyweights. For additional weight, customize your bike by adding a carbon fiber frame. A combination of both materials brings out a lightweight but strong and durable alloy. 

Bike wheels

The wheels entirely support your weight. The strength of wheels goes a long way in ensuring the bike suits you. For a smoother ride, the wheel’s scale should be proportional to the frame. Shorter wheels are always more durable is a basic engineering fact.

Consider the wheel diameter, spokes and spoke patterns and how they are connected. Go for bicycles build with thicker single-rim walls and with increased spoke count for increased durability. The rim width should be tough and wide to increase friction between the ground and the wheels. Always opt for a 26-inch wheel instead of 29-inches.

The fat bikes have proven strong enough to cater to the tire bursting issue in recent years. They are designed to have highly durable wheels that are mostly single-rimed. 

Their frames are strong enough for grips and their structural design highly suits their most sought audience. They can go on level ground or the wild mountain terrain depending on the type of bicycle you choose.

Bicycle frame

You may end up buckling the moment you get on board. To avoid snapping, the bicycle frame should be either of steel or aluminum, that toughen it. Those made from aluminum should have a larger and thicker diameter wall than those made from steel since they are weaker.

Frames come in different shapes. Your weight is equally distributed to the front and back wheels by the A-frame and diamond-shaped frame. 

It keeps you safe from tipping backwards and going over heels due to too much weight on the front wheel. They also act as shock absorbers when extra force is applied by slightly bending and flexing.

Top 5 best bicycle for 500 lb person

#1. Schwinn Phocus 1600 Men’s Road Bike

Made with style, the Schwinn Phocus is a pleasing sight to many and it gives a traditional ride one that you will live to remember. It has a wide gear range that enables it to be powered by an alloy crank, making it move swiftly on level ground as well as uphill.

The frame is made from an aluminum rod combined with carbon fiber fork forming a strong alloy that can withstand your weight and is super durable. The spokes are Strong due to the way they are paired that makes them act with full reinforcement. Furthermore, they are nicely paired so don’t be surprised when everyone stares at your bike as you enjoy the ride.

Pros

  • Highly durable and lightweight – an effect of combining aluminum and carbon fiber.
  • A micro shift integrated 16-speed derailleur that enables quick gear changes. 
  • High profile alloy wall rims, when combined with paired spokes, withstand bulk.

Cons

  • It takes a while to adjust to the use of the classic style drop bars.

#2. Mongoose Dolomite 26” Men’s Fat Tire Bike

Engineered for your weight, the Mongoose Dolomite bicycle comes with your comfort in mind. Bikers adored it due to its ability to be used for exercising without you worrying about getting general body aches. You get to enjoy the thrilling adventurous ride around town at the comfort of your bike. It’s designed for use by men.

The bike is equipped with knobby tires that can go through mountain and thicket terrains. It has 4-inch wide wheel disk brakes to withstand pressure from the action of breaking and force applied by your weight. 

It has a frame that is sturdy and is made from steel that can hold your weight effectively for a longer time. The beach cruiser pedals are made using three pieces of crank, making it standard and easily maneuvered with even when riding on a steep slope. 

Pros

  • A large beach cruiser frame perfect for your weight.
  • Super-sized tires that go over potholes easily.
  • Rear and front disk brakes which is improved and more efficient technology.

Cons

  • Inflating the huge tires requires electric power or a bigger mechanical pump.

#3. Framed Minnesota 2.0 Fat Bike

It stands out from the rest by its exceptionally modeled wheels. They are made from single-walled aluminum alloy rims that are 80 mm wide. This enables them to withstand your weight without bursting out and causing injuries.

Made from aluminum, the frame has an overall good quality evident from the welding techniques used. Even after the company made some cutouts in the rims, the strength of the wheels isn’t compromised and it still has an appealing look. It’s great for off-road riding and will suit you whenever the need to exercise and keep fit arises.

Pros

  • The tires are good looking and are strong enough to withstand your weight.
  • Huge 80 mm wide wheels that are single-walled with aluminum rims.

Cons

  • It’s a bit costly but worth it if your budget allows you to buy it.

#4. DJ 750W 48V 13Ah Fat Bike

This electrically powered bike is a great solution to exhaustion after long hours of strenuous cycling. This makes them be highly sought for but it’s disappointing that they are close to non-existing. This is because they are made from expensive materials with high precision. This is the only available type of eBike for you out there.

Powered by a 13Ah battery, it can accelerate to longer distances without your weight being of any hindrance. It can go through wild terrains, especially roads that are steep and across mountain thickets. 

The thick Kenda tires are supported by heavy-duty rims enabling the support of your weight. It has great appeal to detail owing to its height and comfortable cushion saddle that will make you dream of cycling daily.

Pros

  • Ensures constant riding when you are exhausted once it’s fully charged.
  • A powerful lithium battery that can be dismounted and has a standard key lock.
  • A 750W brushless Bafang motor.

Cons

  • Requires electrical charging for it to automatically power itself once you are exhausted.

#5. BEIOU Carbon Fiber 27.5 Mountain Bike

The bicycle is best suited for occasional cyclers. It combines most of the other bikes’ features to suit your comfort and cycling preferences. To top it up, it’s pocket friendly compared to its counterparts.

It’s has a lightweight of only 23 lb that enables you to carry it anywhere you want. This doesn’t mean it can’t withstand 500 lb weight. It’s made from carbon fiber, making it strong and highly durable. 

You might think you are competing on a standard road bike because it’s as easy as ABC to ride it as it has a gear combination of 30 speeds. The disk brakes are hidden within. And together with the tail wraps produces a professional outlook for you.

Pros

  • Very affordable and highly durable despite being made from the weightless carbon fiber.
  • Presence of a 30-gear option that enhances its speed across an array of terrains.
  • A hardtail design suitable for one who wants to venture into the professional world.

Cons

  • For maximum comfort and luxury, you need to replace the saddle.

Why 500 lb persons need a different type of bicycle

It’s so depressing to keep on buying a bike now and then because they keep on breaking. That’s the sad truth of what people weighing 500 lb experience from time to time. 

Standard bicycles can’t withstand their weight and this made bicycle manufacturers go a notch higher to design special and suitable bikes for them. Every bike has a standard weight that, when exceeded, leads to breakage. To avoid such chaos, one needs to check the weight limit of the bicycle before purchase.

Tire bursts are a common problem whenever you get on to a standard bicycle. This occurs due to the excessive weight applied to the wheels, which are not strong enough to withstand it. If they get lucky enough not to burst, then they tend to lose grip with the road.

They need to be comfortable as well when riding. The saddles should be made from soft material and should be of the right thickness. It should have precise dimensions to avoid frequent stops when cycling due to fatigue. 

It should be adjusted just to the right height to avoid bending too much. This ensures a smooth and fun ride, one that encourages you to get back on your feet the next day and hop onto it again.

What may happen if you choose the wrong bike size?

Tire bursts may occur that lead to massive injuries of the head, face, spine and teeth breaking as well. This may result in concussion caused by severe damages to the head. When this occurs frequently, you may end up getting migraines. 

You are at a higher risk of crashing when you ride an under-sized bicycle. Having control of the bike is very crucial and you achieve this by a suitable size. 

You’ll experience back pain whenever your posture isn’t right. Getting the right framed bicycle ensures this doesn’t happen. Adjusting the handlebar or seat post won’t compensate for the frame. 

To avoid getting fatigued, always ensure pedal efficiency. You get the proper stance and leg positioning needed to get the best out of every pedal once you are on the right bicycle. You risk getting wrist pain if the bike is too small as you will struggle to maintain grip with the handles to achieve stability. 

The bottom line

Cycling is a very engaging activity that can be practiced up to a professional level by anyone with the right bicycle and it engages most of the body muscles. It’s the most comfortable and most enjoyable way to lose weight. You aren’t left out if you weigh 500 lb or more, as there are a variety of options to pick from. All you need to do is select a bike that suits your needs – whether it is for racing, adventure or cycling that’s just for fun. 

Be the picky type and do a background check on features of various bicycles before settling down for what’s best. Consider the maximum weight that it can withstand, the type of wheels and how durable they are – not forgetting the bicycle frame, which is a very crucial element.

Best Bike Racks for Popup Campers

If you like being out and about camping with your bicycle, getting a bike rack is the most obvious option. You need a bike rack that will hold the number of bicycles needed, therefore family men might require larger loading capacities. There are quite a lot of options regarding the bike racks you can choose from the most well-known brands to generic yet durable ones.

You can choose from the wide range of bike racks available on the internet to attach to the camping vehicle you’ll use on the next outdoor adventure. How can you choose the best bike rack for pop up camping? Here is a complete guide on this subject:

ImageProduct Name
Allen S ports 3-Bike Hitch Racks
Thule Insta-Gater Pro Truck Bed Bike Rack
Saris Bones Car Bike Rack
Saris Freedom Bike Hitch
Thule Apex XT Bike Hitch Rack
Yakima – Holdup Hitch Mounted Bike Rack
Hollywood Racks – 2-Bike Hitch Mounted Rack
Hollywood Racks Fat Tire Electric Bike Rack
Swagman TRAVELER XC2 RV Bike Rack
Rhino Rack Roof Top Hybrid Bike Carrier

What to look out for in a bike rack

When choosing a bike rack, there are 5 primary considerations you should make and they are related to:

  • The stability of the rack
  • Its efficiency
  • The safety considerations
  • How compatible is it with the vehicle
  • If it is secure

Here is how you can assess each one of these points just mentioned:

Stability

The first and foremost considerations you should make is the safety of the bike rack before purchasing it. When you have heavier bikes or larger quantities, durability is very important. You should also ensure that the rack is made of materials that do not easily corrode or get worn off.

Efficiency

You should also consider the efficiency of the rack, like the interference of aerodynamics of the car and parking zones with limited height restrictions. Although that is true, you should also consider the point of how other items are packed in the car. If there is no space on your pickup truck’s loading bin, you might need to get an alternative solution. 

Safety 

The rack should not expose the vehicle to unnecessary accident risks that may be caused by an obstructed view of the rearview mirror. Do not go for a rack that completely hides your license plate with no solution for an alternative place to mount it for the time being.

Compatibility

You need to ensure that the bike rack is compatible with the vehicle used for camping. If you are using an SUV, get the appropriate rack. You should also ensure that the bike rack is compatible with the bikes that will be mounted on it.

Security

The security of your bikes is very important and should be taken into account. Generally, bike racks come with a lock that can be used to secure it from thieves. The more security options a rack provides, put it at the top of the shortlist. 

Top 10 bike racks for pop up camping

#1. Allen Sports 3-Bike Hitch Racks 

The Allen Sports 3-Bike Hitch Racks is made of sturdy materials and is not susceptible to bending or swaying in the wrong direction inadvertently. Users can be assured of the product quality because this product has a lifetime warranty. You can use this rack on any vehicle with a 1.25” or 2” trailer hitch. It is very easy to set up this bike rack and it can be done in less than 5 minutes. 

The carry arms do not get in the way when they are not in use because they quickly drop down. The rack has a beautiful appearance with a black powder coat finish.


#2. Thule Insta-Gater Pro Truck Bed Bike Rack

If you hooked a caravan trailer on your pickup truck’s hitch and the loading bin is empty, this bike rack can be used to secure one bicycle at a time. It is very easy to use this bike rack because you can just place it on the loading bin for the bicycle to be in an upright positing. 

You can quickly mount a bike with the ratcheting arm and it holds it in place without touching the frame. Therefore, you get no scratches or dents on the frame of the bicycle. The bicycle will be safe with Thule’s One-Key system that comes with the lock readily available.


#3. Saris Bones Car Bike Rack

The Saris Bones Car Bike Rack works perfectly for any kind of vehicle and is designed for cars with no trailer hitch. You can also mount this bike rack even on vehicles with spoilers making it have robust applications. 

The rack is well-known for its wide array of vehicle compatibility. It has a beautiful appearance and strong rust-free frame that are injection-molded. The straps are manufactured using 100% recyclable material but yet look so beautiful and luxurious. You can get a 2, 3, or 4 bike rack of this kind from Saris depending on the number of bikes that need to be racked. 


#4. Saris Freedom Bike Hitch

The Saris Freedom Bike Hitch carries two bicycles that weigh less than 60lbs each. It attaches to the vehicle’s trailer hitch but has a unique tilting function when opening the trunk. For extra security, the bike rack has reflectors for easy visibility and also has integrated locks to secure the bicycles from thieves. 

The rack is quite lightweight, weighing only 27lbs making it fuel-saving. Saris provides a lifetime warranty on this product that is made from sturdy materials. If your wheelbase overlaps 50” you can get an external bar for it fit perfectly.


#5. Thule Apex XT Bike Hitch Rack

The Thule Apex XT Bike Hitch Rack has a simple design that looks very beautiful on most vehicles even when it is not in use and folded to conserve space. You do not need any tools to mount this rack and that is one of the beauties of it all. The bike rack is very durable and can hold up to 4 bicycles. 

The rack is secured on the vehicle and the bicycle is locked onto the carrier making it safe from thieves. You can use this rack to support almost any size or frame style bike.


#6. Yakima – Holdup Hitch Mounted Bike Rack

Yakima – Holdup Hitch Mounted Bike Rack is a sophisticated solution to load bicycles for a popup camping trip. The rack comes with a built-in SKS security system that locks both the bikes and the carrier. You can also space the bikes to avoid any interference when driving to the camping site. 

It carries 2 bikes but can go all the way up to 4 when using the HoldUp +2 attachment. The rack does not scratch or mark the bicycles but instead protects the paint and carbon frames from any damage. You can tilt the rack with the bicycles loaded to access the trunk of the car.


#7. Hollywood Racks – 2-Bike Hitch Mounted Rack

The Hollywood Racks – 2-Bike Hitch Mounted Rack has adjustable wheel holders making it easier to mount different sizes of wheelbases. You can use the rack for 45lbs weighing bikes and when it is being used, the wheel supports fold. If you would like to access the vehicle’s trunk, the rack can be tilted. 

You can lock your bicycles on the frame of the rack to keep them safe and sound from people who might try to steal them. The rack is not too close to the trunk door so it minimizes the risk of scratching or denting the vehicle when loading or unloading the bikes.


#8. Hollywood Racks Fat Tire Electric Bike Rack

If you have an electric bike with fat to wide tires, this rack is the perfect solution when going out camping. The loading capacity is 2 bikes each with a weight of 80lbs per bicycle. The frame allows you to lock your bike in place, deterring any thieves that may attempt to lift the bicycle and run away with it. 

When you are not using the rack, it can be folded flat against the vehicle. The rack also tilts when you would like to access the vehicle’s trunk. Before mounting electric bikes on this rack, ensure that the batteries are removed and stored in the trunk.

#9. Swagman TRAVELER XC2 RV Bike Rack

Swagman TRAVELER XC2 RV Bike Rack can be assembled and mounted within a few minutes. The rack is lightweight but keeps the bikes stable regardless of the kind of terrain you are driving on. You can attach this bike rack on most types of campers and trailers designed for camping. 

The rack can hold two bikes with a weight of 35lbs per bike. It is very easy loading and unloading the bikes and you can gain access to the back of the RV or camper easily by folding the upright bar down. You can mount the rack even on a 4.5” continuous steel welded RV bumper.


#10. Rhino Rack Roof Top Hybrid Bike Carrier

Rhino Rack Roof Top Hybrid Bike Carrier is mounted at the top of the vehicle. You can attach this carrier to almost any roof rack in the market. The carrier has straps attached to it securing the bike wheels to stand upright at all times. The front wheel is clamped and secured in place with locking mechanisms. 

You can have peace of mind when using this carrier because it has multiple locking systems that keep the bicycle secure. The aluminum materials used on this carrier are durable and resistant to rust. It is recommended to be used for bicycles averaging around 45lbs.


Why do you need a bike rack when popup camping?

If you intend on bringing a bike on your camping trip, it is essential to have a bike rack for easier transportation. Even if you do have a pickup truck, all the camping gear will use up all the space that could be used to store the bike. Therefore, you need a bike rack either way when going on a popup camping trip.

If you do not get a bike rack, the bikes might get damaged when traveling or even damage your vehicle. Also, a bike rack makes it easier to access the bikes whenever needed to and it is also a simple process returning them. Thus, you can have mountain biking fun wherever you want and at any given time without worrying about the logistics of removing it from the racks and returning it.

Also, when you have stopped at a nearby restaurant on your way to the camping site, the bikes will be safe and sound from thieves. That is why it is so important to get a safe and secure bike rack that is reliable.

What might happen when choosing a bad bike rack?

If you are wondering what can happen if a bad bike rack is used, there are a lot of things that can go wrong. A bike rack that is not reliable or corrodes easily can compromise its stability. After a short while. the rack might be unusable because you would not be sure when it will break while in transit.

If the frame of the rack is not reliable, it might bend toward the cars and scratch it causing damages that cost a lot of money. Also, when you fail to choose the perfect rack, it might be incompatible with your vehicle or bicycle. Also, getting a bad bike rack can cause problems when removing it for use and returning it afterward. 

Alternatively, you might cause accidents if a rack obstructs your rearview mirror view. These are just a few scenarios of things that might happen when choosing a bad bike rack. All of these points outline the importance of getting the best bicycle racks to use when popup camping.

The bottom line

These bike racks designed for popup campers are great solutions to secure your bicycle on almost any type of vehicle when driving to the camping site. It is easy to mount them, they do not require a lot of time when mounting them to the vehicle and they are also very durable. Most of them have beautiful modern designs that will look good on your car.

Can You Use WD40 on Brake Pads

It is a good idea to do regular maintenance on your bike, especially if you use it often. For instance, if cycling is a part of your daily routine. Performing maintenance allows you to detect any potential problems and as such, you would exactly know what you need to replace, repair or adjust in your bike. 

Checking on your bike systematically gives you the assurance that you won’t come across any problems whenever you ride. Since the brakes of your bike are very important to ensure your safety while cycling, maintaining this part is of the essence. But when it comes to brake pads, can you use WD40? Let’s find out.

Can you use it on brake pads?

The short answer is, no. WD40 is only suitable for cleaning the internal metal parts of your bike before assembling and lubricating them. You should never use WD40 on anything other parts of your bike, especially the brake pads. 

Applying any kind of oil on your bike’s brake pads or the rotors will lead to contamination. Once this happens, you need to thoroughly clean the rotors using rubbing alcohol. After that, you can either clean the contaminated brake pads too or replace them.

Is it possible to save your brake pads?

If you have already tried using WD40 on your bike’s brake pads, you may need a solution to this problem. Before throwing out your brake pads, you may want to try cleaning them and see if they still work. Here are some suggestions:

  • You may try to salvage your brake pads by sanding them down a bit. This is a quick-fix solution that may or may not work.
  • Another suggestion is to torch your brake pads to burn the contaminants out. If this doesn’t work, then it’s time to replace them. Don’t forget to clean your rotor thoroughly too.
  • You can cry taking the brake pads off and cleaning them with alcohol. After that, you can place them in an oven or toaster oven to dry. Once the brake pads are completely dry, sand the surfaces of the pads a bit then see if they still work. If they don’t, it’s time for you to buy new brake pads.
  • Finally, you can try using brake cleaner. Buy this from any auto parts shop. Spray the brake pads down completely. This may remove any trace of lubricant. Again, test your brake pads to see if they work before your next cycling trip. 

Many believe that there are ways to save your brake pads because they don’t consider the brake pads damaged beyond repair when you use WD40 on them. When this happens, it just means that your brake pads get covered with a lubricant. Thus, you can solve the issue by removing the lubricant completely. Once there are no more traces of WD40, the pads should work well.

The proper way of cleaning your bike’s brake pads

Now that you know that applying WD40 isn’t an effective way to clean the brake pads of your bike, you should also learn how to clean them properly. The first thing to do is to check whether the brake pads still have any remaining braking surface. 

If not, remove the pads from the brake caliper. This gives you two choices – to replace the brake pads with new ones or try cleaning them first. Since the first option is self-explanatory, let’s discuss the second choice. Here are some helpful pointers for this step:

  • First, dismount the caliper, then take the brake pads out. Wash your hands before you do this. In many cases, replacing pads with soiled hands makes them even more difficult to clean. Although washing your hands ensures the cleanliness of your brake pads, the best way to handle the pads is with gloves. 
  • Clean the brake pads’ surface layers by using a rag dampened with alcohol. After doing this, you can start the process of deep cleaning.
  • Use a fine grain piece of sandpaper to rub the pads’ surfaces. Make sure you do this uniformly. After finishing the dirty layer, wipe the pads again to remove any dust caused by sanding.
  • Drying time comes next. With the cloth soaked with alcohol, you can bring a source of heat like a lighter to it – to evaporate any excess alcohol. This opens the pores of the brake pads. 
  • Finally, you can clean the pads with a degreaser, rinse, and dry.

Before you start reassembling the clamps and brake pads, make sure that all of the parts are completely dry and clean. Then you can conduct a test to check the success of your operation. After mounting the brake pads, it’s recommended to do a couple of dry brakings. Expect to hear some squeaking sounds at first as the pads adjust.

Conclusion

As a cyclist, it is very important to perform regular maintenance work on your bike and part of this is the checking of brakes pads. When cleaning your bike’s brake pads, never use WD40. Instead, follow the steps we shared. These will help you do the job well without any issues.