Mountain bike maintenance tips
A big asset for many, it’s worth looking after your new mountain bike to ensure it performs well and is safe to ride at all
times. We recommend carrying out these periodic maintenance suggestions and basic checks prior to riding your bike.
Detailed maintenance suggestions tailored to your bike can be found in the owner’s manual/handbook supplied.
Please read your owner’s manual before riding your new bike. It’s full of useful tips and will guide you through
adjusting the brakes to your personal preference as well as advising you on how to avoid problems with your bike.
•
Allen/hex keys
•
Flat head and Philips screwdrivers
•
Torque wrench
•
Pump
•
Lubricant, grease & degreaser
•
Tools and lubricants are available to
purchase on our website
•
Check your brake pads
for wear. Worn out brake pads can become completely ineffective and therefore highly dangerous. Rim brake pads should be replaced when the groove
pattern in the friction material has worn smooth. Disc brake pads should be replaced when there is less than 1mm of friction material remaining.
•
Ensure your tyres are inflated
to the suggested pressure (pressure guide is on the
tyre sidewall) and that the tyre is not torn.
•
Test your brakes.
Do not ride your bike if both brake pads do not contact the rim or
disc adequately. Adjust your brakes as per the manual if required.
•
Check that
wheels are secure
and there is no play. Tighten the quick release or thru-
axle if required.
For non-hydraulic brakes a barrel adjuster
is situated at the top of the brake caliper,
screw the adjuster to tighten the cable.
To adjust the rear mech/derailleur, screw
the barrel adjuster on the end of the cable
housing.
•
Fully clean, degrease and lubricate your drivetrain.
This will lower pedalling noise and prevent
any premature wear. The drivetrain includes chain rings, cranks, cassette, derailleurs and chain.
•
Tighten all bolts to the suggested torque levels
as stated in the owner’s manual. Start from
the front of the bike and work your way to the rear. While doing this, check for play in the parts &
components, in particular the headset, bottom bracket and rear suspension linkage if applicable.
•
Inspect frame, wheels, brakes and tyres
for signs of wear, especially cracks. It’s best to clean
your bike before doing this.
•
Check for gear & brake cable stretch.
Common signs include gears not shifting correctly and
brakes not being as sharp as they used to be. Use the barrel adjusters on the cable housing to
tighten the cables appropriately, if your bike has hydraulic brakes they may need bleeding. See
the owner’s manual for further brake & gear adjustment tips.
USEFUL TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT:
MONTHLY
BEFORE EACH RIDE
01792 583000
MON-FRI: 8:30AM – 5:30PM, SAT: 9AM – 1PM
OR EMAIL US AT:
LIVE HELP
AVAILABLE ONLINE
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS OR ANY OTHER ASPECT OF YOUR CYCLE THEN PLEASE CONTACT US:
