Bike Maintenance Timetable

We're often asked how frequently bicycles should be serviced. It's a difficult question to answer because it depends on how and where it's ridden as well as its condition. Assuming the machine is in good working order and that you ride sensibly (i.e. don't abuse your bike) and not in nasty weather a lot (muddy and snowy rides accelerate wear), the following guidelines will keep your two-wheeler running trouble free for years. You'll need some basic tools, lubes, cleaners, rags and know-how.

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 be happy to 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 (or 500 miles)	Six Months (or 2,500 miles)	Annually (or 6,000 miles)tet
Check tire pressure and add air if needed.	Clean the bike with a rag (or soap and water if it's really 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. 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.	Using a wrench, test 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 housing for fraying, breaks, rust, and corrosion. 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, detailleur, and clipless pedal pivot points.	Check for worn brake pads and handlebar tape/grips. Replace if needed.	Check the hubs, bottom bracket, and 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 rustling. Replace if necessary.	Check for chain, cassette cog, and chaining wear. 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 and 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.