Maintenance Tips
Periodically checking a few vital components of your bicycle will increase the longevity of your investment and help keep you safe.
Chain Life
The chain needs to be replaced more frequently than most expect.
Why? It can prolong the working life of the drivetrain which if damaged can be expensive to replace.
Suggested chain replacement:
Road Bike – 1000-1500 miles
Mountain Bike – 800-1000 miles (pending riding conditions)
Chainrings & Cassette
The chainring and cassette are two drivetrain components the chain comes in direct contact with. If the teeth on the components are hook-shaped, bent or broken they should be replaced. In addition, a worn chain usually warrants chainring and casette replacement.
Bottom Bracket & Bearings
The Bottom Bracket holds the crank system within the bike frame. If the crank system has become hard to turn, develops a creaking or clunking noise, it might be time to replace it, overhauled, or have the bearings replaced.
Cables & Housing
Cables and Housing help keep the bike braking and shifting smoothly. If there’s any sign of corrosion, broken strands, fraying or kinking, it’s time to replace it.
Tires & Tubes
Tires and Tubes are your vital connection with the road. Look for warning signs such as dry rotting, excessive cuts and tears, punctures, or if the tread is worn leaving a flat spot. Its recommended that tubes be replaced with new tires. If a tube has been patched, it should be replaced. A patched tube should only be used to get you home.
Brake Pads
Brakes are an obvious important safety feature on any bicycle. Most brake pads have a wear indicator line or groove to help tell you when they need to be replaced. If the groove has disappeared or is nearly worn, it’s time to replace them. In addition, if braking has become noisy or gritty check with a professional bicycle technician. Disc Brakes: Check for pad wear, scoring or glazing of the rotor. Rotors should be replaced if they develop a wobble or have become bent.
Bar Tape & Grips
Handlebar tape and grips help keep the bike under control. Both should be replaced if torn, have become thin, appear to be dried-out, sticky or if gel has leaked out.