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Bike shops are 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 and not in nasty
weather a lot, 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.
Every Ride
| Check the tire pressure and 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 the chain and add lube if it looks dry. |
| Make sure you've got your spare tube, tools, pump, etc. |
Monthly
| 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 - replace
if necessary. |
| Check clipless pedals and cleats for
loose screws/bolts. |
| Maintain and lube your suspension
components according to the advice in the owner's manual. |
Every Six Months
| Clean and wax the frame to protect the paint/finish.
Once it is 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 and 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
| 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 is 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 (breaking 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 are use 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. |
Bike
Maintenance Chart credited to Bike Beat.
Visit
their websit at www.bikebeatonline.com
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