Senior E-Biker Podcast #5
The Senior E-biker Podcast: Episode 5
Hello and welcome to "The Senior E-biker Podcast." I'm your host, Scott, and if you believe that there are still plenty of miles to explore, and you have any interest at all in E-bikes, well I'm your huckleberry. This is the show for 55+ riders who may be new to the world of electric bikes, or maybe just a little e-bike curious.
Before I get started I want to thank everyone who's listened and subscribed - this is the fifth episode and I think I'm starting to build an audience so if you like the show, please tell your friends.
Today's topic is maintenance. Keep Your Ride Smooth
We're getting our hands a little greasy as we dive into a crucial topic of e-bike maintenance. Proper care is key to ensuring your bike runs smoothly, safely, and for many years to come. We'll cover some simple checks you can do before every ride, basic cleaning and upkeep, and later in the show, we'll be joined by a professional bike mechanic, Joe Flores, who will answer some of your more technical questions.
Before I bring in my guest, I want to cover something I've discussed on my Substack page and on this show - Your Pre-Ride Checklist and Basic Care
If you've heard me talk about this before, jump ahead a few minutes or hang out and we can go over it again.
Think of these next few tips as your pre-flight checklist for your e-bike. A few moments of inspection before you head out can save you a lot of trouble down the road. I call it the "ABCs" of pre-ride checks: Air, Brakes, and Chain.
First up, A for Air. Your tires are your connection to the road, and having them at the right pressure is vital for safety, efficiency, and comfort. You'll find the recommended tire pressure, or PSI, written on the sidewall of your tires. A simple floor pump with a gauge is a great investment. Underinflated tires can make your bike feel sluggish and increase the risk of a flat, while overinflated tires can lead to a harsh ride.
Next, B for Brakes. This is non-negotiable. Before you even get on your bike, give your brake levers a good squeeze. They should feel firm, not spongy, and shouldn't pull all the way to the handlebar. Roll your bike forward a few feet and apply each brake individually to make sure they effectively stop the wheel. We'll get into more detail on brake adjustments with our guest, Joe.
And finally, C for Chain. Take a quick look at your chain. Does it look dry and rusty, or is it caked with dirt? A happy chain is a clean and lubricated chain. We'll talk more about cleaning in a moment, but for your pre-ride check, just make sure it's on the gears and looks to be in decent shape.
SO that's all the VERY basic stuff but to be honest, I can't even make a cake so I always hire someone to work on my bikes. And I am lucky enough to live close to one of the most experienced bicycle mechanics in the southwest.
I'm going to bring on Joe Flores from https://bikerepairlascruces.com/ - Joe has a shop near downtown and he's also the only guy around who does mobile bike repair.
Since E-bikes are more sophisticated than standard bikes, I think it's always best to consult a professional. Without further ado - here's a pre-recorded interview I did with Joe a few days ago.
QUESTIONS
Scott: Joe, we've talked about the basic pre-ride checks, but what are some of the more in-depth maintenance tasks that our listeners should be aware of?
1. Let's start with the basics - How often should I be checking my tire pressure?
2. I ride about 50 miles per week. With the miles I'm putting on, what kind of chain lube is best, and how often should I apply it?
3. My brakes seem fine, but with the extra speed of the e-bike, I want to be extra cautious. What should I be looking and listening for?
4. My gears are mostly smooth, but occasionally a shift feels a little clunky. Is that something I can adjust myself?
5. I've heard that e-bike chains wear out faster than on regular bikes. How do I know when it's time to replace my chain?
6. What about the motor itself? Are there any warning signs I should be aware of that might indicate a problem?
7. Once someone has had an E-bike for a year should they look for a tune up and is there such a thing as a "professional tune-up," how often should I consider one?
8. If I get a flat tire, is it just like fixing a flat on a regular bike, or is it more complicated with the hub motor on the rear wheel?
9. Besides the basics, is there one piece of maintenance that you find people often neglect?
A big thank you again to Joe Flores for those fantastic tips. Let's quickly recap our key takeaways for today's episode on e-bike maintenance.
First, remember your "ABCs" pre-ride check: Air, Brakes, and Chain. A few minutes before each ride can make all the difference.
Second, keep your e-bike clean and lubricated. A gentle wash and a well-oiled chain will keep your bike running smoothly and prevent premature wear.
And from our conversation with Joe, remember to pay close attention to your brake pads and gear shifting. Don't hesitate to see a professional if you notice any issues.
Taking care of your e-bike doesn't have to be intimidating. By incorporating these simple habits into your routine, you'll ensure many miles of safe and enjoyable riding.
That's all the time we have for today on The Senior E-biker Podcast. I hope you found this episode on maintenance helpful.
Join me next time when we'll be talking batteries - yep - an entire episode dedicated to best practices for those who ride an E-bike and want to get the most out of their battery.
Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. That way you won't miss a single episode. And if you enjoyed today’s show, a review would be wonderful!
Also consider signing up for the free show newsletter. I have more in-depth reviews of bikes and bike accessories there along with extra tips and eventually - some contests. It's over at SUBSTACK and if you want direct access you can find it at https://substack.com/@ebikepodcasthost
I'm glad you gave my show a listen. If you liked what you heard and want more, new episodes drop the first and third Tuesday of every month. Take care and remember, it's never too late to roll.
Hello and welcome to "The Senior E-biker Podcast." I'm your host, Scott, and if you believe that there are still plenty of miles to explore, and you have any interest at all in E-bikes, well I'm your huckleberry. This is the show for 55+ riders who may be new to the world of electric bikes, or maybe just a little e-bike curious.
Before I get started I want to thank everyone who's listened and subscribed - this is the fifth episode and I think I'm starting to build an audience so if you like the show, please tell your friends.
Today's topic is maintenance. Keep Your Ride Smooth
We're getting our hands a little greasy as we dive into a crucial topic of e-bike maintenance. Proper care is key to ensuring your bike runs smoothly, safely, and for many years to come. We'll cover some simple checks you can do before every ride, basic cleaning and upkeep, and later in the show, we'll be joined by a professional bike mechanic, Joe Flores, who will answer some of your more technical questions.
Before I bring in my guest, I want to cover something I've discussed on my Substack page and on this show - Your Pre-Ride Checklist and Basic Care
If you've heard me talk about this before, jump ahead a few minutes or hang out and we can go over it again.
Think of these next few tips as your pre-flight checklist for your e-bike. A few moments of inspection before you head out can save you a lot of trouble down the road. I call it the "ABCs" of pre-ride checks: Air, Brakes, and Chain.
First up, A for Air. Your tires are your connection to the road, and having them at the right pressure is vital for safety, efficiency, and comfort. You'll find the recommended tire pressure, or PSI, written on the sidewall of your tires. A simple floor pump with a gauge is a great investment. Underinflated tires can make your bike feel sluggish and increase the risk of a flat, while overinflated tires can lead to a harsh ride.
Next, B for Brakes. This is non-negotiable. Before you even get on your bike, give your brake levers a good squeeze. They should feel firm, not spongy, and shouldn't pull all the way to the handlebar. Roll your bike forward a few feet and apply each brake individually to make sure they effectively stop the wheel. We'll get into more detail on brake adjustments with our guest, Joe.
And finally, C for Chain. Take a quick look at your chain. Does it look dry and rusty, or is it caked with dirt? A happy chain is a clean and lubricated chain. We'll talk more about cleaning in a moment, but for your pre-ride check, just make sure it's on the gears and looks to be in decent shape.
SO that's all the VERY basic stuff but to be honest, I can't even make a cake so I always hire someone to work on my bikes. And I am lucky enough to live close to one of the most experienced bicycle mechanics in the southwest.
I'm going to bring on Joe Flores from https://bikerepairlascruces.com/ - Joe has a shop near downtown and he's also the only guy around who does mobile bike repair.
Since E-bikes are more sophisticated than standard bikes, I think it's always best to consult a professional. Without further ado - here's a pre-recorded interview I did with Joe a few days ago.
QUESTIONS
Scott: Joe, we've talked about the basic pre-ride checks, but what are some of the more in-depth maintenance tasks that our listeners should be aware of?
1. Let's start with the basics - How often should I be checking my tire pressure?
2. I ride about 50 miles per week. With the miles I'm putting on, what kind of chain lube is best, and how often should I apply it?
3. My brakes seem fine, but with the extra speed of the e-bike, I want to be extra cautious. What should I be looking and listening for?
4. My gears are mostly smooth, but occasionally a shift feels a little clunky. Is that something I can adjust myself?
5. I've heard that e-bike chains wear out faster than on regular bikes. How do I know when it's time to replace my chain?
6. What about the motor itself? Are there any warning signs I should be aware of that might indicate a problem?
7. Once someone has had an E-bike for a year should they look for a tune up and is there such a thing as a "professional tune-up," how often should I consider one?
8. If I get a flat tire, is it just like fixing a flat on a regular bike, or is it more complicated with the hub motor on the rear wheel?
9. Besides the basics, is there one piece of maintenance that you find people often neglect?
A big thank you again to Joe Flores for those fantastic tips. Let's quickly recap our key takeaways for today's episode on e-bike maintenance.
First, remember your "ABCs" pre-ride check: Air, Brakes, and Chain. A few minutes before each ride can make all the difference.
Second, keep your e-bike clean and lubricated. A gentle wash and a well-oiled chain will keep your bike running smoothly and prevent premature wear.
And from our conversation with Joe, remember to pay close attention to your brake pads and gear shifting. Don't hesitate to see a professional if you notice any issues.
Taking care of your e-bike doesn't have to be intimidating. By incorporating these simple habits into your routine, you'll ensure many miles of safe and enjoyable riding.
That's all the time we have for today on The Senior E-biker Podcast. I hope you found this episode on maintenance helpful.
Join me next time when we'll be talking batteries - yep - an entire episode dedicated to best practices for those who ride an E-bike and want to get the most out of their battery.
Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. That way you won't miss a single episode. And if you enjoyed today’s show, a review would be wonderful!
Also consider signing up for the free show newsletter. I have more in-depth reviews of bikes and bike accessories there along with extra tips and eventually - some contests. It's over at SUBSTACK and if you want direct access you can find it at https://substack.com/@ebikepodcasthost
I'm glad you gave my show a listen. If you liked what you heard and want more, new episodes drop the first and third Tuesday of every month. Take care and remember, it's never too late to roll.