HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR BICYCLE
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BICYCLE MAINTENENCE SCHEDULE
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every ride |
monthly |
six months |
yearly |
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.)
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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
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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. |