Spokes should
be kept clean. Put a drop of oil on the end of each one every once in awhile.
A small dent in the rim of a wheel can easily be straightened with an adjustable
wrench. However if it is a big dent, you will have to get a new rim. The braking
pads will wear the braking surface of the rim. This will cause a deep ridge
to be formed all around the rim. If you are able to flex the rim in with your
fingers when the tyre is not inflated, the rim needs to be replaced.
Hubs should be kept clean and well greased. If there is any play in the bearings,
it needs to be tightened immediately. Check for play by rotating the axle
and trying to move it from side to side.
Tyre tread should be checked regularly for wear. A worn tyre is more likely
to get a puncture.
Hub bearings should be checked for wear by lifting the wheels off the ground
and spinning them. It is a sign that the bearings are worn if you feel a vibration
coming up through the handlebars.
Tyres should be checked for thorns, pieces of glass and wire. Keep them pumped
up to the correct pressure. Check that the rim of the wheel does not have
any sharp edges and that the rim tape is properly installed. After installing
the tyre make sure that the brakes clear the sidewall properly. If the pads
are rubbing against the tyre you will hear a scuffing sound.