Skip to content
Just as a car needs regular maintenance, so does your bike. Proper maintenance is the key to a long-lasting relationship with your bike, and keeping your bike in tip-top shape ensures a smooth and safe ride all year round. This easy-to-follow checklist includes daily and seasonal maintenance tasks to help you maintain your bike effortlessly. For a printable version, please click here.
Daily Maintenance: Before Each Ride
- Inspect Tires & Check Pressure: Ensure your tires are free from flats or punctures, and are inflated to the recommended PSI. You can find your recommended PSI stamped into the sidewall of your tire. Under-inflated tires can make riding more difficult and increase the risk of flats.
- Inspect Brakes: Squeeze the brake levers to ensure they're working properly. Check for any wear on the brake pads and make sure they contact the rim evenly.
- Quick Release Levers: Make sure the quick release levers on your wheels are properly tightened.
- Visual Inspection: Quickly scan your bike for any visible damage or unusual wear. Look for any cracks, dents, or bent components.
- Lubricate Chain: Apply a small amount of bike-specific lubricant to your chain if it looks dry. A well-lubricated chain runs smoothly and extends the life of your drivetrain.
When it comes to seasonal maintenance, first and foremost, schedule a tune-up with your local bike shop! This ensures your bike is in proper working order and safe to hit the road. Most shops offer varying levels of tune-up packages and will help you determine which service level you'll need.
Seasonal Maintenance: Spring & Fall Tune-Ups
- Get a Tune-Up: Schedule a tune-up with your local bike shop! This ensures your bike is in proper working order and safe to hit the road.
- Full Bike Wash: If you’ve really put your bike through the paces, give it a thorough cleaning to remove dirt and grime. Use a gentle brush and bike-specific cleaners to avoid damaging components.
- Check Drivetrain: Inspect the chain, cassette, and chainrings for wear. Replace any components that show significant wear to maintain optimal performance.
- Inspect Cables: Check the brake and gear cables for fraying or rust. Lubricate them to ensure smooth shifting and braking.
- True Wheels: Spin the wheels and check for any wobbling. If they're out of true, visit a bike shop to have them straightened.
- Check Bearings: Inspect the headset, bottom bracket, and wheel hubs for any play or roughness. Lubricate or replace bearings as needed.
- Check Tires: Inspect for wear and replace them if you notice any bald spots, cracks, or excessive tread wear.
- Check Frame & Fork: Examine the frame and fork for any signs of damage or cracks. Pay special attention to welds and high-stress areas.
By following this checklist, you'll keep your bike well maintained, ensuring a safe, smooth, and enjoyable ride every time. Regular maintenance not only enhances performance but also extends the lifespan of your trusty two-wheeler. Happy riding!
For more tips and guides, please check our Resource Center.
Shop Best Sellers
View All
We build bikes for vivid lives—for taking adventures, reconnecting with old friends, discovering new neighborhoods and exploring hidden gems. Inspired by the streets of Brooklyn, our bikes are built for style, comfort, and durability. Made with top quality parts, crafted with care, and sold at an affordable price, your bike is yours for life. We scrutinize every component for maximum sustainability and performance, and every millimeter of the frame for ultimate comfort and style. We take pride in our process, in our products, and in the people who sell them.
