Many people ask the question “How often should I service my bicycle?”
The obvious answer would be that it depends on how many miles you ride, but most people will give a range between 4-6 months.
This can be applied to a rider, who rides just once in a while.
Bike service Edinburgh frequency is directly related to parts health. Bike parts can have different lifespans so we offer servicing segments with different frequencies.
We answer this question in this article by showing what to do after a set period of time to make sure your bike is safe and sound.
Quick Answer
Bike servicing frequency is broken down into four major time frames. Every bike ride, 3-5 rides, 3-6 mounts, every 6-12 months to one year. Frequency is linked to the health of parts. However, not all parts last the same length of time. For this reason, we offer different frequency segments.
After Every Ride
This is a great habit to establish.
This service must be inclusive to include all components of the bike.
It should include both checking and servicing.
Tire pressure.
Hub integrity and wheel fairness
Lubricate and clean your chain.
You can check through-axles for quick release tension
After each ride you should clean off all dirt and mud.
This service covers all of the parts that contribute to bike ride safety.
After 3-5 Rides
It is time to inspect your clothing for wear, and your slack.
This service includes wearable, losten, and miss configured/adjusted components.
Brake pads to be checked.
fork/shock air pressure
Chain worn.
Bolt tension.
Your riding style, such as DH, requires a lot more braking. You will want to make sure your brake pads are checked regularly.
This can be accomplished by removing the padding and checking for thickness. Anything less than this is an indication that it is time for replacement.
Mountain bikes need to be checked for suspension health. They are just like tires, they lose air eventually, so it is important to keep an eye on them.
A few hundred mile is enough to cause some stretch in the chain. If it exceeds a certain amount of stretch, it can damage both cassette and tooth structure which can lead to chain jumping or slipping.
Even replacing the chain is not an option. The only thing you have is to replace your whole drivetrain system.
You should not loosen bolts as they can cause problems in the engine and pose safety risks.
Some might argue it’s too early, and it can be delayed 10 or 15 times. Here is why you need to track wear on your bicycle early.
It is possible to detect wearing signs early, so that you can search for your component and replace it comfortably. This will also prevent any serious damage.
Every 3-6 Moths
This is the point where the service gets a little more than checking.
After this time the service should include at minimum:
Replacing seal and fork oils
Bleed hydraulic braking.
Cleaning the drivetrain.
The tubeless fluid sealing agent is being tested.
tires.
Fork relubrication is the most difficult task. However, this will help prolong the life of costly components.
You can do it yourself if that’s what you enjoy doing, otherwise you can trust your local bike shop to handle it.
You can save money by replacing tires and tubeless fluid.
Every 6 Months To One Year
After 6 months of regular servicing, there is not much left to do other than check and maintain the bike.
This service includes:
Frameset linkages.
Rear shox air.
Start with frameset. You’ll need to disassemble all linkages beginning with headset bearings.
Bearings should always be properly calibrated and replaced as needed.
This last one can be used for full-suspension mountainbikes. A rear shox front shock (fork), after prolonged use, may lose air. To maintain its performance.
Recap
Although the services and checks can be frustrating and time-consuming, they are totally worth it when you consider all the benefits and rewards.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this article will give you an idea of how often you should service the bike and what parts or components you should take care of for a given time.
Regular maintenance of your bike is essential for its safety and health.
You can gain valuable experience and service skills after working with bikes for a while and dealing with any maintenance issues.
Most importantly, it’s important to have a good habit of servicing your bikes regularly. This will ensure that your bike is in perfect condition.
It is important to remember that maintenance can only be achieved if you do not change your service routine.
Bikes that are well maintained will last a long time.