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mAintEnAnCE
It is extremely important that your bike is checked and serviced at regular
intervals to ensure its reliability and especially that it is safe to ride.
Cleaning and lubrication also forms an important tool in the proper maintenance of
your bike and this is covered in more detail immediately after this section.
Some servicing and repair tasks require specialised knowledge and tools.
Improper adjustment may result in damage to the bike or may lead to a
serious accident, If you have any doubts consult your cycle dealer.
The following checks are suggested: -
Before you ride - Check:-
• Wheels are tightly secured.
• Tyres are inflated to correct pressure (indicated on side-wall of tyre). Also check
condition of tyres for cuts etc. (Note: It is a good idea to carry a puncture repair kit or
spare inner tube, tyre levers and pump with you).
• Handlebar, stem and headset locknut are tight and that the steering turns smoothly.
• Brakes – Squeeze levers to ensure sufficient pressure can be applied without the
lever touching the handlebars. Also ensure brake blocks are aligned correctly with
rim and the blocks are not badly worn.
• Brake cables are not frayed at the end.
• Gears operate correctly.
• Wheels are running true by spinning them. You can also check that mudguards, if
fitted, are correctly adjusted at this time.
• Saddle is adjusted to the correct riding position and the seat pin is tightened.
After long or hard rides or at least every month of regular use –
Check same points as above + the following: -
• Clean, degrease and lubricate your bike.
• Cranks, bottom bracket fittings and pedals are tight.
• Tyre wear and general condition for cuts, glass, thorns etc.
• Spokes are not loose or broken. These need to be attended to before the bike can
be ridden again and you are advised to get these done at your dealer.
• Hubs are running smoothly.
Every 12 months
Before you start make sure your bike is thoroughly clean and degreased.
Unless you have a good knowledge of bikes, we suggest that you take your bike
to your local dealer for a full service. If this is not feasible we suggest you use the
following checks: -
• Frame and forks for any damage or cracks.
• Wheels are true. Replace or repair if necessary.
• Brake tracks on rims are not badly worn. Also clean and degrease - see page 19.
• Brake levers, brake adj cable and nipple attached to lever is in good order.
Any sign of wear on cable to nipple joint replace inner wire.
• Brakes - Brake blocks – Replace if excessive wear is evident. Re-set brakes.
• Chainwheel teeth – These wear, especially if it is an alloy chainwheel and the same
chainwheel ring is used most of the time. Worn chainwheels can significantly affect
gear changing.
• Chain for wear and stiff links, clean and re-grease chain or replace if necessary.
Chains stretch with use and should be changed before causing excessive wear of the
chainwheel or sprockets (approximately every 1500 – 2000 miles or every 2 years if
riding approximately 25 miles per week)
• Cranks are attached securely.
• Front shifter and rear derailleur for wear and especially check the rear derailleur in
respect of straightness and the Jockey wheel.
• Bottom bracket fittings for wear and disassemble and re-grease or replace if required.
• Headset moves smoothly by turning wheel. Also check side movement by applying
the front brake and try rocking the bike. If any movement is found, the headset may
need cleaning, adjusting and re-greasing or the bearing may need replacing or even
a complete new headset may need fitting.
If in doubt always consult a bike dealer or qualified mechanic.
Please note that these schedules are suggestions, frequent and heavy use of your bike
such as off road riding will require more frequent maintenance.
Remember good maintenance will prolong the life of your bike and components and
ensure yours and other peoples safety. Always use genuine replacement parts for safety
critical items such as brakes.
