Garage

9 Ways to Tune Up Your Fixie Bike for Maximum Performance

  • By Ary Ashoor
23Feb
9 Ways to Tune Up Your Fixie Bike for Maximum Performance

City Bicycle Co. has the Best Fixie Bikes for Sale!

City Bicycle Co. recommends you tune up your fixie bike annually or bi-annually if you ride it everyday. This general overview will help you with the basics of your bike and getting it cleaned and tuned for optimal performance.

What You'll Need

  • A bike repair stand;
  • Chain oil;
  • Lubrication
  • Headset Wrenches
  • 13mm and 15mm Cone Wrenches (two each);
  • Dish soap;
  • Water;
  • Rag;
  • Spoke wrench;
  • Chain wear indicator;
  • Air Pump
  • Tire Pressure Gauge;
  • Metric Allen Wrenches (4mm to 8mm)
  • Metric Open-end Wrenches (8mm to 17mm)

Tuning the Wheels and Cleaning Techniques

  1. Disconnect the brakes and removing both wheels from the frame. Not only can you tune up your wheels quicker, but you can also clean the bike frame quicker and more efficiently.
  2. Use a rag with soap and water to clean between the freewheel or cassette wheel sprockets.
  3. Wipe down the rims, hubs and spokes using a dry wash cloth. Use soapy water for more difficult spots.
  4. Check to ensure the hubs are not loose and spinning freely.
  5. Deflate the tires.
  6. Adjust the alightment and spoke tension in both wheels as necessary.

Cleaning Your Fixed Gear Bike Frame

  1. Use a mildly soapy rag and wipe the bike down, beginning with the handlebar toward the rear derailleur.

Inspection of the Frame and Parts

  1. Inspect the frame of your Fixie bike for hairline cracks, damaged brakes or shift cables.
  2. Take it to the local bike repair shop to have the damaged assessed and fixed immediately.

Lubricating the Bike

  1. Use lubrication drops inside the cable housing, shift components and pivot points on the brakes.
  2. Wipe any oil on the brake pads and excessive oil to prevent dirt and debris pileup.

Adjusting the Bottom Bracket and Headset

  1. Adjust the bottom bracket and headset using your wrenches, tightening enough to make sure they are snug and spin smoothly.

Tuning Up the Brakes

  1. Inspect the brake pad surfaces.
  2. Trim all wear ridges using a sharp tool such as a knife or razor blade.
  3. Resurface the brake pads using sandpaper.
  4. Check if you see past the indicator line. If worn past that line, replace the brakes.
Tightening all Bolts
  1. Tighten the following enough so they are snug, but don't over tighten:
    • Shifters
    • Seat
    • Cranks
    • Pedals
    • Levers
    • Shifters
    • Stem
    • Seatpost
    • Derailleurs
    • Handlebars

Final Tuning Adjustments Needed

  1. Bolt the wheels back on and reconnect the wheels.
  2. Clean the chain.
  3. Adjust brake pads.
  4. Adjust cable tension.
  5. Lubricate the chain using oil.
  6. Adjust the rear derailleur as needed.
  7. Adjust the front derailleur as needed.
  8. Take the bike off the stand and adjust the handlebars and seat position on your fixed gear bike.

Cleaning and Tuning in No Time

With regular maintenance, you can expect this process to take no longer than 20-minutes when you perform the tune up and cleaning. Safety is always key with your fixie bike, so this should be a regular maintenance treatment as often as you feel it is needed.

Stay tuned for additional tips on your fixed gear bike, like this one geared toward helping you to box your bike for traveling.