Trailhead's Bike Maintenance Schedule
Trailhead's Bike Maintenance Schedule
Tips:
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every ride | monthly | six months | yearly |
| 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; if you're using toe straps, check them for wear and replace if needed |
| 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 |