In the cycling community, a common question is: How often should I service and maintain my bike?
The obvious answer is that it all depends on how frequently you ride your bicycle, but the most common response to this question is that it varies between 4 and 6 month.
This is applicable to a rider who only rides occasionally.
Frequency of servicing is a function of the parts’ health. However, not all bikes have the same life expectancy. For this reason, we offer different frequency segments.
We will show you how to service your bike after a time so that it is safe and healthy.
Quick Answer
Bike service frequency is divided into four main times frames, every bike ride; 3 to 5 rides; 3 to 6 mountings; every 6 months or 1 year. This frequency is related with parts health. We have different frequency segments to service bike parts.
After Every Ride
You should check your bike before you go on your rides.
This service must be available for all bikes, and it should cover all aspects.
It should include service and checking.
Tire pressure.
Hub integrity and wheel trueness
Lubricate the chain and dry it.
For quick tension release, check thru-axles
After every ride, wash off dirt and mud.
You may have noticed that this bike service Edinburgh covers all the essentials for a functioning bike. But, even more important, it covers all components that are critical to biker safety.
After 3-5 Riders
Now is the best time to check your clothes for wear and slack.
This service includes wearable, misconfigured and lost parts.
You should inspect your brake pads.
fork/shock air pressure
Chain worn.
Bolt tension.
If your riding involves a lot braking, such as DH riding, you will need to inspect your brake pads frequently
This can be done by removing the padding material and checking its thickness. Anything less than that, it’s time to replace.
Mountain bikes have a suspension system that is vital to your safety and performance. Shocks and forks lose air as they age. You can use an air pump to do this.
It is sufficient to stretch the chain for a few hundred miles. After that, the chain will begin to slip or jump.
Even replacing the chain at this stage is too late. You only have one option, which is to replace your entire drivetrain system.
Last but not least, check for loosen bolts. These can lead to safety concerns and mechanical problems.
Some argue it’s too late and can be delayed for 10 to 15 rides. Here are some reasons why you should track wear on the bike early.
Wearing signs can be detected early so you have the option to search for and replace your components without any hassle.
Every 3-6 months
The service begins to go a little deeper than simply checking. Now it’s time for real cleaning and maintenance.
After that, the service should contain at least:
Seal and fork oil should be changed.
Bleed hydraulic brakes
Cleaning the drivetrain.
Test tubeless fluid sealant.
tires.
Fork re-oiling and rebleeding hydraulic brakes are the most important things to do. This can be costly but will increase the life expectancy of expensive components.
If you are able to do it yourself, or you can have it done by a professional bike shop mechanic.
It is possible to reduce the cost of tubeless fluid or tires replacements.
Each 6 months to 1 year
Six months of servicing your bike regularly will leave you with very little to do but check and maintain it.
This service is available for:
Frameset linkages.
Rear shox air.
Start with the frameset. It’s recommended that all linkages be disassembled and serviced starting with headset bearings to bottom bracket.
Bearings must always be calibrated correctly and replaced if necessary.
For full-suspension mountainbikes, the last one is used. After long usage, rear shox like front suspension shock (fork), can lose air. It must be restored to its performance and fluidity.
Recap
Although these services and checks may be frustrating at times, the rewards and benefits are worth every penny.
Conclusion
This article should have given you some insight into how often your bike should be serviced and what components and parts to keep an eye on for a specific time.
It is important to service your bike regularly in order to ensure safety on the roads as well as on trails.
Long experience working on bikes and dealing with maintenance issues can help you develop your service skills.
Importantly, you should have a regular routine for servicing your bike so it is always in good condition.
Be consistent in your servicing and you will have the power to maintain.
Happy bikes will be well-maintained!