Bicycle Maintenance Tips

2007.07.04

Mike Daniels

  1. Safety checks:

    Perform at least 1000Kms intervals and at start of season

    Brakes:
    Cables, no broken strands, frayed ends, or rust
    Pads have adequate life left (wear grooves still visible)
    Correctly centred (equal space on both pads-to-rims)
    No loose fixing bolts
    Braking surfaces on rims smooth
    Lever adjustment has correct travel for size of rider's hands and adequate for full braking power.

    Tires:
    Adequate tread life left.
    No deep cuts through to carcass
    Tread is free of debris e.g.stones, glass, metal wires.
    Sidewalls not damaged, cracked or bulging.
    Correctly fitted to rims.

    Bearings:
    Check that bearings are not loose

    e.g. wheels, headsets, bottom bracket, and pedals.



    Gears:
    Derailleur fixing bolts tight
    Gears change smoothly under load.

    No rubbing noises or skipping cogs

    Chain and cogs are free from excess dirt build-up and wear
    Rear derailleur cage travel correct

    Doesn't touch spokes in low gear.



    Wheels:
    Check wheel nuts/skewers for tightness

    Accessories:
    Check that fixing bolts/screws on racks, mudguards toeclips, and shoe cleats etc are tight



  2. In-Season Maintenance:

    (every 1000KMs approx)

    Brakes:
    Check pad wear, replace pads if necessary. On long tours particularly if fully loaded carry a spare pair. (always use top quality pads!)
    Lubricate pivot points and cable ends.
    Check brake lever travel, adjust if necessary.

    Gears:
    Remove chain to clean, replace and lubricate (frequency depends on riding conditions and distance), check for wear.
    Clean cassette cogs and derailleur pulleys, check for wear
    Clean chainring teeth and check for wear
    Lubricate front and rear derailleur pivot points
    Lubricate front and rear derailleur cable ends

    Wheels and Cranks:
    Check that wheels and cranks rotate freely and smoothly, without excess play in bearings

    Pedals and Cleats:
    Check that pedals rotate freely and smoothly and without excess play.
    Clean and lubricate pivot points of cleat mechanisms. (frequency depends on riding conditions and distance)

'Minimum' Tool Kit Recommendations

  1. Day rides
  2. Touring, (Additions to above list)