6 things to check when resurrecting your bike for riding in the time of coronavirus

Americans are rediscovering a love of bicycles to cope with COVID-19, ignited by a desire to get outside and move while forgetting – but still maintaining – social distancing.

That newfound passion has led to buying sprees at local bike shops and mass merchant stores. "Retailers are selling out of almost all kinds of bikes," Stephen Frothingham, editor in chief for Bicycle Retailer & Industry News, told USA TODAY.

Bike shop mechanics are also busy. "We probably have about 60 bikes out back waiting to be repaired," says Mike Hulett, owner of Broadway Cyclery in Bedford, Ohio. "Some are in rough shape, but most are in for tune-ups." He estimates a waiting period of about two weeks.

But what if you already have a bike that's gathering dust in the basement and you want to get it roadworthy? Barring serious problems, a few simple tools and some care could have you back on two wheels in no time. Start here:

"Safety is your first consideration," says Matthew Bracken, a partner with Pedros, a manufacturer of bicycle tools and cleaning products. He's also a bike mechanic and frame builder himself. "When I'm working on a bike, I have a responsibility to make it work safely. If I can't, it'll go to a shop." 

Be aware that much of the work you'll have to do depends on the bike's condition when you stored it and where.

Humidity and water leaks can accelerate rust. Dust can gum up chains. And "if the stem was loose when you put it away, it'll still be loose now," says Calvin Jones, director of education at Park Tool, a manufacturer of bicycle tools.

Give the entire bike a good going-over before you get on. Wheels, forks, handlebars, seat and pedals should be secure. Loose components can cause you to fall.

Bicycles are simple machines, Jones says, "but they can also hurt you." So you have some work to do before you pedal away.

If you haven’t used the bike in a while, wash off the dust by giving it a thorough but gentle rinse. Never use water under high pressure; it can wash out bearing grease in pedals and hubs. 

• Fill a bucket with warm water and biodegradable detergent – some bike mechanics use a dish soap such as Dawn for its ability to cut grease on chains and chainrings.
• Use lots of suds and a soft bristle brush to clean the frame, handlebars, wheels and saddle.
• Use an old sponge and toothbrush on the chain, chainrings and derailleurs.
• Thoroughly (and gently) rinse off the bike with water and dry it with old towels or T-shirts. When the chain is clean and dry, it’s a good idea to oil it with a bike-specific lubricant.

Trek Bicycles has a how-to video here.

• First, check for worn tread or sidewall cracks and replace tires that have them. Make sure the tires are properly and uniformly seated in the wheel rim.
• Get a trustworthy air gauge and make sure your tires are properly inflated. The tire should have a recommended PSI range (pounds per square inch) on its sidewall. Lower pressure gives a more comfortable ride while higher pressure provides less rolling resistance. Some manufacturers recommend higher pressure for heavier riders.
• While tire pressure is a matter of personal preference, it’s essential to stay within the PSI range. Don’t over- or under-inflate your tires.
• Hand pumps are best for bicycle tire inflation. You can use gas station air pumps, but many tend to put out air fast, increasing the risk of blowing out the tire. And gas station pumps can be used only on Schrader valves, like the ones on your car tires. They won’t work on Presta valves, which are found on higher-priced road and mountain bikes.

• Make sure the wheels are secured to the frame. Hold one end of the bike off the ground and spin the wheel. Look for side-to-side wobbles – does the rim move smoothly or does it twitch over and bump a brake pad in spots?
• Check the shape of the rim. Is it round or slightly egg-shaped? Are the spokes evenly tight?
• Rims that are out of alignment can be fixed by carefully adjusting spokes, but that requires time, a spoke wrench and patience. Rims that are severely out of true may need a professional fix, or replacement.
• Check that wheel hubs spin smoothly without sideway movement.

This Park Tools video can help.

• Squeeze the brake levers. They should apply the brakes without the levers touching the handlebars. The brake pads should clamp firmly to the wheel rims (or to the rotors, if you have disc brakes).
• The pads should be clean and correctly positioned at point of full contact. Worn pads should be replaced; pad surfaces that are glazed can be scuffed with sandpaper.
• Brake rotors should be straight and free of rust. Disc brakes with hydraulic systems should be checked for leaks.

These Park Tool videos show you how.

With the rear wheel off the ground, spin the pedals and shift through the gears. The derailleurs should move the chain easily between sprockets.

Depending how long the bike's been sitting, you'll want to eyeball everything, looking for:

• Cracks in the frame
• Loose pedals, seat post or headset
• Fraying brake or derailleur cables
• Loose bolts, nuts or other fasteners

You may need assistance or special tools if you find problems here.

Of course, if you're uncomfortable with working on your own bicycle, it's best to bring it to your local bike shop, but call ahead before you go. Local shops are being overwhelmed with sales and service and you may have to schedule an appointment.

However, bicycles are relatively uncomplicated vehicles and some folks find great satisfaction in maintaining them. You may find that true for yourself.

While shops offer tools and cleaning products that make work easier, you can ease into bicycle maintenance yourself with items you already have. However:

You can count on some bicycle parts being hard to find. "Everything is sourced from China," says Hulett. "We started running out of parts after factories in China shut down for three months."

"You may need to research where parts can be found," says Jones. "A lot of people rely on friends and Internet forums."

Working on a bicycle after a long hiatus, you may be surprised to discover what you don't know. "You'll learn you've forgotten some things," says Jones. "You should expect to have to do some research."

How-to books are useful, along with knowledgable friends you can consult. Explanatory YouTube videos can be invaluable.

Whichever method you use, "learn to enjoy the learning process again," says Jones.

Once you start riding again, whether for exercise or to commute to work in lieu of public transportation, it's essential to practice social distancing. And wear a helmet.

SOURCE USA TODAY Network reporting; bicycleretailer.com; Park Tools; Bicycling magazine; Trek Bicycles; Pedros; REI; BikeRadar; flatbike.com; Global Mountain Bike Network; USA TODAY research