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8.0 Maintenance
8.1 Service and Maintenance Schedule
Component
Before every ride
Monthly
Annually
Other
Brakes
x
Cables
x
Drive train
x
Handlebars/stem
x
Headset
x
Frame/Fork
x
Quick releases
x
Tyres
x
Wheels
x
Steering linkage bolts
x
8.2 Brakes
Depending on what model of bike you have, it will either have Disc brakes, V brakes or a combination of both. With V brakes
you should check that the brake pads have not worn below their minimum wear line are correctly aligned to the rim and not
touching the tyre. If the brake lever pulls all the way to the bar before engaging then you should refer to the cable adjustment
section. Or consult a professional mechanic. Disc brakes should also have their pads checked regularly, and if embarking on
a long ride it may be worth replacing the pads even before they reach their minimum wear line. The disc also needs regularly
checking for damage, alignment and thickness (the minimum thickness is normally specified by the disc brake manufacturer).
Note: Brakes on a tandem have to work doubly as hard as on a solo bike, so ensuring they are functioning effectively is critical!
8.3 Cables
Cables don’t normally need a lot of adjustment. When they are new, they will stretch slightly, and that stretch needs to be
adjusted out of the system. Check all cables regularly for signs of damage.
Brake Cables
To adjust the brake cables, loosen the locking nut on the barrel adjuster at the lever. Screw the barrel adjuster out a little and
check the brakes. When squeezing the lever, it shouldn’t come too close to touching the handlebar grips. When the lever is
released, the wheel should turn freely and not drag on the brakes.
Derailleur Cables
These are adjusted in the same way as brake cables. There is an adjuster on the rear derailleur, but none on the front. For the
front derailleur, it is only necessary to have the cable tensioned slightly when the chain is on the inside chain ring; fine tuning
can be done using the adjuster on the left-hand shifter.
8.4 Drive train
Check that the cranks are tight after the first 50 miles of riding. These should be fastened firmly to the bottom brackets, with
no play. Even a small amount of movement will cause the joint between the spindle and the hole in the crank to wear, result-
ing eventually in damage to the chain set.
The rear derailleur idlers tend to collect oil and dirt. Clean them with a dry rag. If they squeak, they can be disassembled and
greased. When you lubricate your chain, put a drop of light oil on the moving pivots of the derailleur; they will last much
longer. The more you ride your bike, the more used you become to the sounds it makes. If you notice any change in the sound
your bike makes, check it carefully; it may be a sign of something needing attention.
8.5 Handlebars/stem
The Captain handlebar has two points of adjustment to give three degrees of adjustability see Picture 1.1
