For some people, Spring means one thing: it’s time to pull out the bikes and hit the trails. Before you do, the bicycle specialists at Jim’s Bike & Key Shop in Columbia, MO, recommend making sure the bike you pull out of storage is ready for the task.

Their bicycle shop specializes in sales and repairs for a variety of brands, including Fuji Bikes, All-Terrain Comfort, and Adult Trikes. Here are their tips for knowing when your bicycle needs repair or replacement:

The Seat

Sometimes, the mechanisms that control how low or high your seat sits become stuck and need adjusting. A professional bike shop will have the tools and knowledge to fix this.

The Chain

If your chain keeps slipping off, there could be several causes. It might need to be lubricated, adjusted, or simply draped back on.

The Brakes

Similar to cars, bicycles will squeal when the brake pads need to be replaced or repaired. Sometimes, they need repositioning, and other times, they’re ready for the trash bin.

The Gears

When shifting becomes a problem, you should have a professional check the tension in the cables that control your gears.

The Tires

Flat tires are common, but they don’t always mean a replacement tire is necessary. The inner tube can sometimes be patched or replaced to have you back on your bike again.

With more than 35 years of experience fixing bikes, Jim’s Bike & Key Shop specializes in regular maintenance and repairs for all types of bicycles. If your bike isn’t quite ready for a new season outdoors, their bike mechanics can find and fix the problem quickly and affordably.

For more information about the bicycle sales and services, or if you need a locksmith, call (573) 442-7011, or stop by the Columbia, MO, shop. You can also visit them online for additional details.