We are now at a time of the year where bike maintenance and care is at a premium and all riders should be paying particular care to their equipment. We live in an age where we can obtain pretty much anything quite quickly and we all ride some very nice bits of equipment, however, what I see are rates of deterioration that I never used to see, say 20 years ago.

What has changed? Well, quite a bit in terms of bike manufacturing and level of equipment. Everything is lighter, narrow, stiffer, more performance oriented and the riders themselves tend to be individuals who to the greater extent did not grow up maintaining and learning the limitations of the equipment they ride. Riders are harder on their equipment, for example shifting under load, bikes take more punishment due to their very nature but also due to the poor road conditions, and riders also have less time to do the basics. On the other hand, we also see shops selling bikes, no matter what the price, that are inadequately serviced before they leave the shop. A bike should be completely stripped and rebuilt with all parts serviced and lubricated with grease and oil as required before it leaves the shop. A regular maintenance schedule should then be followed with regular cleaning a general lubrication as required. Headsets, hubs and bottom brackets should be serviced around every 500m, especially in the conditions we have during the UK winter, and regular checks (weekly) should be made to every nut and bolt, cable, tyre, handlebar tape and spokes.

Each Ride:

ABC Wheel Quick!

A = Air:  Ensure proper tire inflation (less in wet conditions) and check for tire wear.

B = Brakes and Bars:  Check proper brake function (proper cable tension, smoothness, so no binding, and pad alignment and wear).  Check           handlebars and stem face plates for cracks which indicate an impending failure.

C = Chain and Cables:  (Check for tight links and fraying cables)

Wheel = Check for trueness and spoke tension/damage

Quick = Quick Releases (Ensure QRs are fully seated…do not close against the fork, seatstay, or chainstay which may prevent full seating of QR)
Monthly or every 500miles (800km):  (Note-These procedures will maximize your performance and minimize future costly repairs.)

–Clean, Lubricate, and inspect drivetrain (cassette, chain [replace every 2000 to 2500 miles...10 speed sooner], chainrings, and derailleurs). If high mileage is involved, then alternating chains is good practice.

–Check wheel bearing adjustment (while wheel is on bike, try to move wheel from side to side…if you feel play, adjustment is necessary).

Do not use any wheels with cartridge bearing on a turbo with a rear axle clamping mechanism!

–Check headset and bottom bracket adjustment (Pick up front of bike and steer the handlebars from side to side…movement should be smooth and easy…adjust if tight or “indexed.”  Then with the front wheel on the ground, move bike forward and backward while you squeeze the front brake lever…if you feel play in the headset, it needs adjustment.  For bottom bracket, try to move crankarms from side to side…if you feel play or “creaking” noises when you ride, bottom bracket adjustment cup or fixed cup may be loose…also check crankarm bolts for proper tightness.)  Another source of loud creaking when you stand is sometimes the front skewer…lube and check tightness.

–Check for loose nuts and bolts (headset, seatpost, waterbottle cages, handlebar, crankarm, chainring, stem bolts, pedals, any mounting screws)

–Clean frame and working components and check for wear and breakage

–Lubricate brake, shifter, and pedal pivot points. Carefully, also lubricate spoke nipples to prevent binding – clean rim is lubricant goes onto rim.

–Inspect tires for wear and replace if necessary (don’t forget to check rim tape to insure all spoke holes are completely covered and tape is not deteriorating)

–Inspect shoe cleats for wear (tighten or replace if necessary)

Quarterly:

–Thorough check of brake function (inspect pad wear, pad alignment, cable tension, brake arm bolts)

–Clean and wax frame, inspect for damage/hairline cracks on frame, hubs, and rims

–check tool kit (insure you have the needed tools to make minor repairs on the road…insure spare tube and patch kit are in good working order and not dry rotted or that the glue has dried up)

–Thoroughly clean drivetrain

Semi-Annually:

–Take out Seatpost and Quill Stem…clean and lube (Do not lube carbon fiber seatpost or seat tube except with carbo grip or similar product)

–Inspect handlebar tape and replace if necessary

Annually (at least):

–All the above and overhaul Bottom Bracket, Wheel Bearings, Headset, and pedals.  Check derailleur hanger alignment.  Replace worn or corroded cables and cable housing.  (Overhaul means to completely disassemble, clean, lube and adjust for proper function.  If this is beyond your expertise, you should have it done professionally.  Everything on your bike that has threads should be lubed with grease at least twice annually.)

–Don’t forget to lube your frame and floor pump!  You may need them.

 

Safe riding