HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR BICYCLE

BICYCLE MAINTENENCE SCHEDULE

• Keep your bike inside; avoid storing it outside. Rain, moisture, and dirt cause your parts to wear quicker and cost you more in repairs and service.
• Bicycles ridden in rain and/or off-road typically require more frequent and extensive service. If you are a frequent commuter or distance rider, you may find that your bike needs service more often.
• If your bike has been crashed, or you purchased a used bike, we recommend bringing it in for a thorough check-up to ensure that it is functioning properly and safely. We are always happy to take a look at your bike - all estimates are free.
• Enjoy it! The #1 goal of a bike should be to provide transport and fun. If these details overwhelm you, just focus on the "every ride" section in the left column! Our mechanics are happy to answer questions if you feel in over your head.

every ride
(a safety check)

monthly
(or 500 miles)

six months
(or 2,500 miles)

yearly
(or 6,000 miles)

check tire pressure. if it's low (if the tire feels "squishy"), fill to the correct PSI - which is listed on side of your tire. 

clean bicycle frame with a cloth.

inspect frame and components for signs of wear, such as cracks or dents.

clean and wax the frame to protect the paint/finish.

once it's clean, inspect bike frame and fork for any cracks or dents.

check all bearing systems: hubs, bottom bracket, headset and pedals.

adjust and/or overhaul as needed, based on their condition.

glance over the tire tread on both tires for embedded debris, to avoid getting a flat.

wipe the chain and cassette cogs clean with a rag + earth-friendly degreaser.

re-lube chain, casette. 

check tires for wear such as dry rot or areas where tread is now too worn. replace if cracks or wear are significant.

check your spare tube and patch kit: make sure the spare still holds air and the patch kit has glue + patches.

check all brake and gear cables + cable housing for fraying, breakage, rust, corrosion.

replace if necessary.

if you have quick release parts (such as wheels or seats, instead of nut/bolt), check that they are tight and that the wheels are secure

check the wheels for loose spokes. if the spokes are loose, you may need to replace them. (this is pretty inexpensive.)

check the condition of hubs, bottom bracket, headset. adjust and/or overhaul as needed.

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

spin wheels to check for wobbles. if the wheel wobbles (instead of rolling smoothly), this indicates that you need to have your wheel trued

using a wrench, test the tightness of the moving and connecting parts: crankarms, pedals, chainring bolts, seat bolt, seatpost bolt, stem bolts, handlebar bolts and all accessory mounting bolts/screws. you are checking to be sure all parts connect properly.

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

clean and check wheels carefully for signs of wear such as worn sidewalls or cracks where the spoke touches the rim or hub

squeeze brakes to make sure they're grabbing

glance over brake pads to see that they are in good condition and that  they touch the rims (not the tires!)

lube the brake, derailleur and pedal pivot points.

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

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

if you have a mountain bike, push down on (compress) and release the bike's suspension to be sure that it's responding properly

lube the brake and gear cables to prevent binding.

check the cables for fraying and rusting. replace if necessary

check for chain, cassette cog and chainring wear and replace worn parts as needed

overhaul the pedals to check the bearings and add fresh grease. (this can be tricky!)

if you're using toe straps, check them for wear and replace if needed.

look over the bike chain. add chain lube if it looks dry.

check clipless pedals and cleats for loose screws/bolts

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

make sure you are prepared with tools (a spare tube and/or patch kit, tire levers and a pump), in case you encounter a flat while riding. or, that you are close to a bike shop who can do it for you.

if you have a mountain bike, maintain and lube your suspension

if you have a mountain bike, maintain and lube your suspension components 

lube your frame and home tire pump

check basket, racks and accessories - be sure attachments and bolts seem in OK condition.