Quick check before
you ride !

We're often asked how frequently bicycles should be serviced. It's a difficult question to answer because it depends on how and where it's ridden as well as its condition. Assuming the machine is in good working order and that you ride sensibly (i.e. don't abuse your bike) and not in nasty weather a lot (muddy and snowy rides accelerate wear), the following guidelines will keep your two-wheeler running trouble free for years. You'll need some basic tools, lubes, cleaners, rags and know-how.

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

monthly
(500 miles)

six months
(2,500 miles)

yearly
(6,000 miles)
Check tire pressure & add air if needed
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
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 all bearing systems: hubs, bottom bracket, headset and pedals: adjust and/or overhaul as needed
check the tire tread for wear and embedded debris that could cause a flat
wipe the chain and cassette cogs clean with a rag and earth-friendly degreaser and relube
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 all cables and housings for fraying, breaks, rust and corrosion and replace if necessary
check that the wheel quick releases are tight and that the wheels are secure
check the wheels for loose spokes
check the hubs, bottom bracket, headset: adjust and/or overhaul as needed
replace brake pads, rubber brake hoods and handlebar tape if necessary
spin wheels looking for wobbles, which indicate you should have your wheel trued
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
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 (braking surface) or cracks at the spoke nipples
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!)
lube the brake, derailleur and clipless-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
compress and release the suspension to check that it's working properly
lube the cables to prevent binding and check the cables for fraying and rusting and replace if necessary;
check for chain, cassette cog and chainring wear and replace worn parts as required
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
check chain & add 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've got your spare tube, tools, pump, etc.
maintain and lube your suspension components according to the advice in the owner's manual
maintain and lube your suspension components according to the advice in the owner's manual

lube your frame and home pump