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Home Bike Maintenance

Tips:

  • Print out this page and attach it to your workbench or toolbox to use as a checklist.
  • These are general service guidelines for road and mountain bikes.
  • Bicycles ridden off road typically require more frequent and extensive service than road models.

  • If you notice problems or have questions about anything on your bicycle, call us and we'll be delighted to advise you on what maintenance is required.
  • If your bike is heavily used, abused or has been crashed, we recommend bringing it in for a thorough check and service to ensure that it's running properly.

Every Ride


Check tire pressure & add air if needed

Check the tire tread for wear and embedded debris that could cause a flat

Check that the wheel quick releases are tight and that the wheels are secure

Spin wheels looking for wobbles, which indicate you should have your wheel trued

Squeeze brakes to make sure they're grabbing and check to see that the brake pads are in good condition and that they strike the rims (not the tires!)

Compress and release the suspension to check that it's working properly

Check chain & add lube if it looks dry

Make sure you've got your spare tube, tools, pump, etc

Monthly

< > 500 Miles

Clean the bike with a rag (or soap and water if it's real dirty) and inspect the frame and components for signs of wear such as cracks

Wipe the chain and cassette cogs clean with a rag and earth-friendly degreaser and relube

Check the wheels for loose spokes

Test with a wrench, the tightness of the: crankarms, pedals, chainring bolts, seat bolt, seatpost bolt, stem bolts, handlebar bolts and all accessory mounting bolts/screws

Lube the brake, derailleur and clipless-pedal pivot points

Lube the cables to prevent binding and check the cables for fraying and rusting and replace if necessary

Check clip-less pedals and cleats for loose screws/bolts

Maintain and lube your suspension components according to the advice in the owner's manual

Six Months 

< > 2,500 Miles

Clean and wax the frame to protect the paint/finish (not necessary on bare titanium frames); once it's clean, inspect the frame and fork for any cracks or damage

Check and replace tires if needed; also check your spare tube and patch kit to make sure the spare holds air and the kit has glue & patches

Check the hubs, bottom bracket, headset: adjust and/or overhaul as needed

Check all cables and housings for fraying, breaks, rust and corrosion and replace if necessary

Check for worn brake pads and replace if needed; also replace worn handlebar tape or grips

Check for chain, cassette cog and chainring wear and replace worn parts as required

Clean the drivetrain (chain, chainrings, cassette, front and rear derailleurs) with biodegradable solvent and rags

Maintain and lube your suspension components according to the advice in the owner's manual



Yearly

< > 6,000 Miles

Check all bearing systems: hubs, bottom bracket, headset and pedals: adjust and/or overhaul as needed

Check all cables and housings for fraying, breaks, rust and corrosion and replace if necessary

Replace brake pads, rubber brake hoods and handlebar tape if necessary

Clean and check wheels carefully for signs of wear such as worn sidewalls (braking surface) or cracks at the spoke nipples

Check the hubs, bottom bracket, headset: adjust and/or overhaul as needed

Overhaul the pedals to check the bearings and add fresh grease; if you're using toe straps, check them for wear and replace if needed

Maintain and lube your suspension components according to the advice in the owner's manual

Lube your frame and home pump