Bicycle Maintenance

Regular maintenance is essential to keeping your bicycle in top working order, and to maximize its lifespan. We recommend a basic tune-up at least once a year, and an overhaul is an even better idea. For details on these services, see our Service page. There are also a number of things you can do at home to keep your bike working like new.

Clean and Lubricate

One of the easiest and most important aspects of home maintenance is cleaning and lubricating your bicycle. As dirt and grime builds up on your bike's drivetrain (chain, gears, derailleurs, etc.), it acts as an abrasive, causing premature wear on the parts and components. This is especially evident on the chain. This can easily be avoided by cleaning your bike regularly. Once every two weeks or so is good, although we recommend more frequent washing if you are riding in wet or muddy conditions. We sell a variety of excellent cleaners and degreasers, although a bucket of soapy water will work in a pinch. Use a scrub brush to clean the chain, sprockets, and derailleurs, and rinse with clean water. It is important to never use pressurized water, as it can force water into wheel bearings, shortening their lifespan and decreasing performance.

After the bike has been cleaned, it must be lubricated. We recommend the use of a bicycle specific lubricant, preferably one with Teflon. TriFlow is our favorite. It does not attract dirt nearly as much as other oils, and the Teflon it contains helps reduce friction even after the oil has dried up. DO NOT use WD-40. It is a water displacer, not a lubricant, and will attract much more dirt to the chain and components. Additionally it dries up very quickly and leaves a gummy residue.

When applying lubricant, a drip bottle is recommended. Aerosol cans tend to produce a lot of overspray, which not only wastes lubricant, but also spreads oil to parts of the bike where it's not wanted, like the brake pads or rims. When lubing the chain, apply one drop of oil to each link as you pedal backwards. Wait five minutes, then wipe off the excess. It is also a good idea to apply a drop of oil to pivot points on brakes and derailleurs. Applying a light coating of oil to cables will help prevent them from rusting. This procedure should be done about once a week.

Check and Inflate Tires

Maintaining proper tire pressure has a number of benefits. Proper tire inflation will help prevent flats, reduce tire wear, and improve bike efficiency. It is recommended that you check tire pressure before every ride. It is normal for tires to lose a few pounds of pressure over the course of a week or so, so don't be alarmed if you have to add air each ride. However, if a tire goes completely flat over just a couple days, it is likely you have a leaky inner tube, which will require repair or replacement. There are two types of valves on bicycles. Schrader valves, or American valves, are what you have on your car tires. Presta valves, sometimes called French valves, allow for higher air pressure, faster inflation, and are more air-tight, but require a specialized inflation device. Adapters are also available to adapt a presta valve to a schrader pump.

Monthly Inspection

One important aspect of bicycle maintenance is recognizing problems early. If spotted early, most problems can be repaired with a minor adjustment for relatively little expense. If let go, however, these small adjustments can turn into costly replacements. Going through this simple checklist at least once a month can help diagnose problems before they can become major headaches.

  • Wheel Bearings
    Check the wheel bearings for any side to side play. To do so, apply sideways force at the rim while holding the fork for the front, or the frame for the rear. If excessive side to side motion is detected, the wheel bearings are in need of adjustment.
  • Headset Bearings
    Squeeze the front brake and gently rock the bike front to back with your hand on the headset cup. If you feel any motion your headset is in need of adjustment.
  • Bottom Bracket Bearings
    Turn the cranks so that one arm is parrallel to the frame's seat tube, then with one hand grasp the crank arm and the seat tube and squeeze. If side to side play is found, your bottom bracket needs to be adjusted.
  • Suspension
    Wipe any dirt off of the suspension components, making sure to wipe AWAY from the seals. Apply a drop of oil to the seals. If your bike is equipped with rear suspension, be sure to lubricate the pivot points in addition to the seals.
  • Wheel Rim and Spokes
    Check the wheels for loose, bent, or broken spokes. To check for trueness, lift the wheel off of the ground and look at it head on while rotating. Any side to side wobble means your wheel needs to be trued.
  • Brakes
    Ensure that the brake pads touch the rim squarely over their entire surface. Also assure that the wheel is centered between the brake arms.
  • Cranks
    Tighten the bolts that hold the cranks on. You may have to remove a dust cap, be sure to replace it when you're finished.
  • Accessories
    Inspect any accessories on the bike for proper operation and ensure that all mounting harware is tightened properly.
  • Final Check
    Carefully go over the entire bike and ensure that all nuts and bolts are tight and make sure that nothing is missing or broken.

Should you notice anything that needs adjusted, bring your bike in for service. Most of these adjustments can be made while you wait, so you'll be ready to ride in no time. Monthly execution of this checklist should ensure many years of trouble-free enjoyment of your bicycle.

Maintenance Classes

We periodically offer bicycle service and maintenance classes at the shop. Hands-on lessons include truing wheels, replacing tires and tubes, brake and derailleur adjustments, chain wear, and preventive maintenance. Cost is $65 and includes a maintenance book, tire lever, spare tube, spoke wrench, and 15% off all merchandise on the day of the class. If you're interested, you can sign up here.