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Self Service

If you like to do your own maintenance, here are some resources:

Park Tool's website is a great guide for all kinds of repairs. We also stock their paper book and a wide assortment of tools.

Lennard Zinn has written several great books on bike maintenance. We stock Zinn and the Art of Road Bike Maintenance as well as Zinn and the Art of Mountain Bike Maintenance

Sheldon Brown's website is an encyclopedia on all things bike related, and can be especially helpful for oddball repairs. Don't miss his guide to cleaning your chain.

 

We're often asked how frequently bicycles should be serviced. Well, it depends. Component quality, riding conditions, and riding style (do you jump curbs? or vans?) are all factors. Assuming the bike is in good working order and that you don't abuse your bike, these are some general guidlines. You'll need some tools, lubes, cleaners, rags and knowledge.

Tips:

  • Print out this page and attach it to your workbench or toolbox to use as a checklist.
  • These are general service guidelines for road and mountain bikes.
  • Bicycles ridden off road typically require more frequent and extensive service than road models.
  • If you notice problems or have questions about anything on your bicycle, call us and we'll advise you on what maintenance is required.
  • If your bike is heavily used, abused or has been crashed, we recommend bringing it in for a thorough check and service to ensure that it's running properly.

every ride

monthly
(<>500 miles)

six months
(<> 2,500 miles)

yearly
(<> 6,000 miles)
check tire pressure & add air if needed clean the bike with a rag (or soap and water if it's real dirty) and inspect the frame and components for signs of wear such as cracks clean and wax the frame to protect the paint/finish (not necessary on bare titanium frames); once it's clean, inspect the frame and fork for any cracks or damage check all bearing systems: hubs, bottom bracket, headset and pedals: adjust and/or overhaul as needed
check the tire tread for wear and embedded debris that could cause a flat wipe the chain and cassette cogs clean with a rag and earth-friendly degreaser and relube check and replace tires if needed; also check your spare tube and patch kit to make sure the spare holds air and the kit has glue & patches check all cables and housings for fraying, breaks, rust and corrosion and replace if necessary
check that the wheel quick releases are tight and that the wheels are secure check the wheels for loose spokes check the hubs, bottom bracket, headset: adjust and/or overhaul as needed replace brake pads, rubber brake hoods and handlebar tape if necessary
spin wheels looking for wobbles, which indicate you should have your wheel trued test with a wrench, the tightness of the: crankarms, pedals, chainring bolts, seat bolt, seatpost bolt, stem bolts, handlebar bolts and all accessory mounting bolts/screws check all cables and housings for fraying, breaks, rust and corrosion and replace if necessary clean and check wheels carefully for signs of wear such as worn sidewalls (braking surface) or cracks at the spoke nipples
squeeze brakes to make sure they're grabbing and check to see that the brake pads are in good condition and that they strike the rims (not the tires!) lube the brake, derailleur and clipless-pedal pivot points check for worn brake pads and replace if needed; also replace worn handlebar tape or grips check the hubs, bottom bracket, headset: adjust and/or overhaul as needed
compress and release the suspension to check that it's working properly lube the cables to prevent binding and check the cables for fraying and rusting and replace if necessary; check for chain, cassette cog and chainring wear and replace worn parts as required overhaul the pedals to check the bearings and add fresh grease
check chain & add lube if it looks dry check clipless pedals and cleats for loose screws/bolts clean the drivetrain (chain, chainrings, cassette, front and rear derailleurs) with biodegradable solvent and rags maintain and lube your suspension components according to the advice in the owner's manual
make sure you've got your spare tube, tools, pump, etc. maintain and lube your suspension components according to the advice in the owner's manual maintain and lube your suspension components according to the advice in the owner's manual lube your frame and home pump