Bike Maintenance Guide: How to Keep Your Bike in Top Shape

A well-maintained bicycle is not only safer, but also more fun to ride. In this guide, we show you the most important maintenance tasks you should perform regularly.

Daily Checks (before every ride)

Test brakes

• Front brake: Pull the brake lever and test the braking power
• Rear brake: Same test for the rear brake
• Brake pads: Check for wear (at least 1mm pad should be visible)

Check tires

• Air pressure: Check with your thumb or a pressure gauge
• Damage: Look for cuts or embedded foreign objects
• Tread depth: Especially important in wet conditions

Chain and gears

• Chain tension: Should not be too loose or too tight
• Gears: Test through all gears
• Chain oil: Chain should be lightly oiled but not smeared

Weekly Maintenance

Cleaning

1. Wash frame: With mild detergent and soft sponge
2. Clean chain: Use special chain cleaners
3. Clean rims: For optimal braking performance
4. Clean gears: Remove dirt between cogs

Check bolts

• Saddle: Check height and angle
• Handlebar: Test tightness of bolts
• Pedals: Safety of pedal bolts
• Wheels: Rough check of spoke tension

Monthly Inspection

Brake maintenance

• Change brake pads: When worn
• Oil brake cables: For easier operation
• Test brake performance: On a safe route

Adjust gears

• Limit screws: For correct shifting ranges
• Cable tension: For precise shifting
• Derailleur: Cleanliness and function

Check wheels

• Spoke tension: Even tension of all spokes
• Hubs: Bearing play and rotation
• Rims: Cracks or deformations

Seasonal Maintenance

Before the season

• Complete cleaning: Thorough cleaning of all components
• Lubrication: Oil all moving parts
• Inspection: Professional inspection in the workshop
• Spare parts: Replace worn parts in time

After the season

• Final cleaning: Thorough cleaning and drying
• Storage: Dry, protected location
• Maintenance: Major maintenance in the workshop
• Order spare parts: For the next season

Home Tool Set

Basic equipment

• Hex key set: 2-10mm
• Screwdrivers: Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
• Pliers: Combination pliers and pipe wrench
• Chain tool: For chain repairs
• Spoke wrench: For wheel repairs

Extended equipment

• Torque wrench: For precise tightening torques
• Truing stand: For wheel truing
• Chain checker: For chain wear measurement
• Brake gauge: For brake pad measurement

When to Go to the Workshop?

Immediately to the workshop for:

• Brake problems: Unsafe braking performance
• Gear problems: Gears don't work properly
• Wheel problems: Broken spoke or rim damage
• Accidents: After falls or collisions

Regular workshop visits:

• Every 6 months: Basic maintenance
• After 1000 km: Inspection and adjustment
• Before important tours: Safety check

Maintenance Tips

Workspace

• Good location: Dry and well lit
• Workbench: Stable work surface
• Lighting: Sufficient light for precise work

Documentation

• Maintenance book: Note all work
• Mileage: Document kilometers ridden
• Spare parts: List of parts used

Safety

• Safety glasses: During cleaning work
• Gloves: For dirty work
• Cleanliness: Keep workspace clean

Conclusion

Regular maintenance is the key to a reliable and safe bicycle. With these tips, you can perform most maintenance tasks yourself and keep your bike in top shape. If you're unsure or have complex problems, you should always consult a professional workshop.

Happy Cycling! 🚴‍♂️