[QuixoticNotions]

When to replace things?<br><br>
Y'know, how after you run x number of miles it's a good idea to replace your running shoes... how does that translate into cycling?<br><br>
I've never changed anything on my bike, so I'm wondering.<br><br>
Wheels?<br>
Cleats on shoes or shoes? (I've had to tighten mine more lately because they're worn... I swear, I don't know how they're so worn and scuffed I only walk the distance from my car seat to my bicycle rack on the back of the car!)<br>
Brakepads?<br>
Any of that really? Do you ever have to replace without a specific problem occuring (just normal wear and tear) It just seems a bicycle has a lot of parts..<br><br>
And how do you know when it's worth upgrading? I'm not an especially talented cyclist so I've pretty much kept everything stock model for my Giant OCR 1w, except I changed the pedals to some Shimano SPD clipless.-- are there some upgrades worth making even for an average road cyclist?<br><br>
Not sure exactly how many miles I have on my bike. Several thousand.<br>
Probably silly questions <img alt="blush.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/blush.gif"> I tried googling and got a lot of HOW to replace things and not so much when you need to be concerned.

 

[Thor]

I'm no expert, so take this as you may...<br><br>
In general you know to replace parts on the bike when, well, when they are worn and not functioning like they used to. Running down the list you provided:<br><br>
Wheels<br><br>
I will assume you mean Tires. Replace tires when they are worn to the point where you either see tread or, more likely, a bunch of nicks and even gashes. If there are a few holes/punctures that seem big, replace the tire. Otherwise you may be much more prone to flats. The only other time I'll replace tires is a month before a super big race so that I know the tires are fresh with much fewer road punctures. If you look very, very closely at your tires you will see minute parts such as glass, wire, even rock embedded in the rubber. These are usually so small that they do not push through to the tube, which would no doubt either cause an immediate flat or eventually work in to a flat.<br><br>
Cleats<br><br>
Replace cleats when they don't work anymore or when they wear to the point of the little notches on them that indicate wear. You'll know right away when they aren't working, because you will either clip in and out or one or the other way too easily, or even it takes much to much work.<br><br>
Brake Pads<br><br>
Replace brake pads when they get worn. Inspect from time to time to see that there is still rubber. When they are low, replace. If you're not sure, replace or at least ask somebody. I think break pads have markers indicating wear, too.<br><br>
Upgrading<br><br>
Upgrading is more a personal thing. If you are riding bunches and suddenly your components wear out where you know it's worth to replace with better quality because you know you will use them, then go for it.

 

[LookiLoo]

I know I should pay more attention to these things and learn how to do more on my own, but...<br><br>
If you have a good LBS, it may be a good idea to take the bike in for seasonal maintenance. I take mine in every 6 months or so, and they are very good about telling me what types of things to keep watching (chain getting lose, brake pads, etc). I also took a basic bike maintenance class where they showed me what types of things to do regularly to keep things in good shape, cleaning/lubing chain, always pumping tires before ride, checking cables, etc., and of course how to change a tire <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"><br><br>
To many people, these seem like very basic things but I was a complete noob when I bought my bike and I definitely needed the basics. I'm very happy with the guys that work at my LBS - While I don't have to pay for regular maintenance b/c of the trek warranty, I would be happy to pay 30 or 40 bucks a couple times a year just to have someone look over my bike.

 

[3chilipeppers]

If you have several thousand miles on your bike, you probably need tired for sure! I just ordered new tires for mine because they have a few places that look pretty worn. Plus, the tread is really wearing down on the back tire for sure. I'd rather be safe. I don't think I even have 1000 miles on my bike, but I also bought it used. The tires were fairly new when I bought it, but they had some miles on them. Just have them inspected or do what I did -- I took off one of my wheels and swung into the LBS one day and just had them look at it for me. He said they looked o.k. for a little while, but I'm getting new tires just in case. I probably won't put them on for at least a month, though.<br><br>
The other things, just inspect them as Thor said. I know I'm o.k. with everything except MAYBE brake pads. I'll have to look at those again. I have to go out and adjust my seat since I took it in to LBS today to have them sort of adjust my seat post, etc... I'll inspect them then and maybe go for a quick ride to try everything out.