Lim Swee Heong's Simple Bike Care Habits for Smoother Rides

I'm Lim Swee Heong, and online I also go by bullbearnme Swee. Cycling is one of my favourite ways to start a weekend, and over time I've noticed that the best rides usually begin before I even leave home. A bike that's clean, quiet and properly set up just feels better to ride. You don't need a workshop or special skills to keep it that way. Here are the simple bike care habits that keep my rides smooth and enjoyable.

Check the tyres before every ride

Tyre pressure is the easiest thing to get right and the easiest to forget. Tyres slowly lose air even when the bike is just standing in a corner, and soft tyres make every ride feel heavier and slower. I keep a floor pump with a gauge at home and give the tyres a quick top-up before heading out. The recommended pressure range is usually printed on the side of the tyre, so there's no guesswork. While I'm there, I take a quick look for small cuts, stuck glass or worn patches.

Give the chain a little attention

A noisy, gritty chain is a sign it needs some love. After wet or dusty rides, I wipe the chain down with an old rag, then add a small amount of bike chain lubricant, one drop per link while turning the pedals backwards. The key is to wipe off the extra afterwards, because too much lube just collects dirt. A clean chain shifts more smoothly, runs quieter and helps the gears last longer.

Squeeze the brakes and listen

Before a ride I squeeze both brake levers firmly and roll the bike forward a little. The levers should feel firm and stop the wheels without pulling all the way to the handlebar. If something feels soft or I hear squealing or rubbing, I know it's time to have a closer look or bring it to a bike shop. Good brakes are what let me relax and actually enjoy the scenery.

Wash it gently after messy rides

Singapore's sudden rain showers mean my bike sometimes comes home splattered with mud. A bucket of soapy water, a soft sponge and a gentle rinse are enough. I avoid spraying high-pressure water directly at the bearings, then dry everything with a towel and re-lube the chain. It only takes fifteen minutes, and it's a nice way to wind down after a ride.

Do a quick bolt check now and then

Every few weeks, I do a slow walk around the bike: handlebar, stem, seat post and wheels. I make sure nothing is loose and that the quick-release levers or thru-axles are properly closed. A small multi-tool that fits in a saddle bag makes this easy, and it's handy on the road too.

Store it out of the sun and rain

Heat and humidity are tough on tyres, cables and saddles. Keeping the bike indoors or in a shaded, dry spot makes a real difference over time. If space is tight, a simple wall hook can free up floor space and keep the bike out of the way.

Know when to visit a bike shop

Home care covers a lot, but some jobs are better left to a mechanic, such as wheel truing, tricky gear adjustments or worn parts that need replacing. I like to treat my bike to a proper service once in a while. It's a small investment in many more comfortable rides.

Looking after a bike doesn't have to feel like a chore. With a few minutes here and there, every ride starts on the right foot, and the bike feels like a trusted companion on the road.

If you enjoy reading about cycling, gaming, travel and books, you can find more of my writing on Medium at https://medium.com/@bullbearnmeswee

I'm Lim Swee Heong, a cloud database architect in Singapore who enjoys cycling, sightseeing, travel, reading and gaming on Nintendo Switch and PS5. I also go by bullbearnme Swee online.

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