Transportation Resources | Corvallis Sustainability Coalition

Find recommended pressure range on the tire sidewall, in pounds per square inch (PSI), e.g. 40-65 PSI.
For street-riding, balance efficiency and comfort: Pump rear tire to max pressure and front tire about 10% less.
For off-roading, balance traction while minimizing pinch flats: Pump front tire to minimum pressure and rear tire about 10% more.

Adjust brake pads so that they’re far enough so they don’t rub the rim when brakes are not engaged AND close enough so that the hand lever doesn’t bottom-out against the handlebar grip when squeezed.
Fine-tuning can be made with the barrel adjuster at the brake lever: turn it in (right) to widen the gaps between pads and rim, turn it out (left) to narrow the gaps, and lock the barrel adjuster in place with the locknut.
To make larger adjustments, adjust where the pinch bolt attaches to the cable at the brake.
For details on brake adjustment, click here.

Clean the chain of gunk by wrapping the lower run of the chain gently with a rag and pedaling the cranks backwards (you can use a solvent or cleaner if the chain is especially dirty).
Lube the chain by touching the nozzle of the lubricant bottle’s tip to the top of the lower-run of chain and pedaling backwards.
Wipe the chain clean after a couple hours or longer.
NOTES: Lube the chain when it starts making noise (no need to do it sooner). Lubricant is most needed in the internal (moving) parts of the chain; lubricant on the outside only attracts grime (a thin layer on the outside is useful to prevent rust, but plenty will be left over after wiping).
For details on chain lubrication, click here.

Find the hole by over-inflating the tube; listen for the hiss, feel the air on your lips, or look for bubbles under water.
Optional: mark the hole with a permanent marker.
Scuff the area around the hole lightly with sandpaper (removes the mold release used during manufacture).
Apply a thin layer of the vulcanizing solution (glue).
Let glue dry (wait at least 2-3 minutes).
Remove foil backing.
Apply patch and press firmly in all places (especially edges).
Remove plastic, being careful not to peel off edges of patch (TIP: bend patch and plastic should split in the center, peel from inside to outside; if plastic doesn’t split, it’s okay to leave it on).
Locate and remove the debris from the tire that caused the flat.
When re-installing the tube, align the tube valve with the tire logo to make it easier to find flat-causing debris next time (and it looks professional).

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