When should I service my ride?

These are general guidelines for road and mountain bikes, assuming the bike is in good working order and that you ride sensibly (i.e. not abusing your bike) and not in sloppy weather. The following guidelines will help to keep your machine running smooth for many years.

Bicycles ridden off-road tend to require more frequent and extensive service than road bikes. If you notice problems or have questions about anything on your bicycle, call us and we will be more than happy to help you figure out what maintenance needs to be done.

Every ride you should:

  • Check tire pressure and inflate to recommend pressure as needed.
  • Inspect tires and tread for wear or foreign objects that may cause a flat.
  • Check that all quick releases are tight and the wheels are secure in the frame.
  • Pull the brakes to make sure that they are contacting the rims properly and not rubbing the tires. For disc brakes make sure the brakes are contacting the disc.
  • Compress the suspension to make sure that it is getting the full amount of travel and is functioning properly.
  • Check chain for damaged links and lube if dry (Avoid excess lube as it will only collect more dirt)
  • Make sure you’ve got a spare tube, tools, pump, etc required for your ride.

Every month or every 500 miles:

  • Clean your bike with a rag or soap and water is its muddy. Inspect the frame and components for signs of wear such as cracks.
  • Wipe the chain and cassette cogs clean with a rag and light degreaser and re-lube the chain.
  • Check the wheels for loose spokes and tighten or replace damaged spokes.
  • Check the following bolts to make sure they are tight: crank bolts, pedals, seat-bolt, stem bolts, handlebar binder bolts, and all other accessories.
  • Lube the brake, derailleur and clipless pedal pivots
  • Lube the cables to prevent binding. Check for fraying or rusty cables and replace them.
  • Check clipless pedals and cleats for loose bolts/screws.
  • Maintain and lube your suspension components according to their owners manuals.

Every six months or every 2,500 miles:

  • Clean and wax the frame to protect the paint/finish. Once it’s clean, inspect all areas of the frame for damage (such as cracks or fatigue.)
  • Check and replace tires if needed. Check that your spare tube is good, and you have enough patches/glue.
  • Check the hubs, bottom bracket, and headset; adjust and/or overhaul as needed.
  • Check all cables and housing for fraying, breaks, rust and corrosion and replace as needed.
  • Check brake pads for wear, if grooves are gone, replace them.
  • Check the drivetrain (chain, chainrings and cassette) for wear. Replace them if worn out.
  • Clean the drivetrain with a biodegradable solvent and rags.
  • Maintain and lube your suspension components according to their owners manuals.

Every year or every 6,000 miles:

  • Check all bearing systems: hubs, bottom bracket, headset, and pedals. Adjust/overhaul them as needed.
  • Check all cables and housing for fraying, breaks, rust and corrosion. Replace if necessary.
  • Replace brake pads, rubber brake hoods and handlebar tape if necessary.
  • Clean the wheels and carefully inspect for signs of wear such as worn sidewalls (braking surface) or cracks at the spoke nipples.
  • Check the hubs, bottom bracket, and headset and adjust/overhaul as needed.
  • Overhaul pedals to check the bearings and add new grease. For toe clips, inspect the straps and replace as needed.

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