One of the most important things you need to take care of after buying the bike of your dreams is to know what essential maintenance it requires in order to enjoy it to the fullest. Without a doubt, the best option is to find a good bike workshop and leave the rest in the hands of specialists. However, it is essential that as the owner of the bike you know it so well that you can recognise when it needs maintenance and how to do it.
Knowing about the possible breakdowns of your bike and knowing how to repair them will bring you many benefits, and one of them is financial. In this article, you will find the necessary information about which are the essential maintenance for your bike, which ones require the participation of professionals and which ones you can do at home.
The best bike brands offer workshops to their customer, so you can visit if your bike is in still warranty or visit the nearby workshop to you. When it comes to taking your bike to the workshop, you should make sure that these important checks are carried out correctly.
1. Good chain cleaning
Regular maintenance of the chain prevents the chain from accumulating dirt and therefore improves its performance. If you ride your bike every day, the chances of dirt accumulating on the chain decrease, but the problem comes when the bike is parked and all the dust starts to accumulate on the chain.
The first thing the professional does is inspect the chain. This way he can easily tell if any of the parts that carry out the chain’s operation are worn out enough to be replaced. After this check, the next step is to disassemble each of the parts that make up this mechanism. Once off the bike, the parts are cleaned with a specialised machine or ultrasonic cleaner. The last step is to reassemble them and adjust the gears.
2. Check the suspension
When it comes to maintenance that should be carried out by professionals, the suspension is at the top of the list. Without thinking twice and without taking any risks, this aspect should be dealt with by a mechanic specialising in bicycles. It is such a delicate job that it requires special tools that few people have at home. Good shock absorbers and a fork in perfect condition are essential, so it is advisable to leave them in the hands of experts.
Not taking the bike in for a regular suspension check is one of the biggest mistakes riders make. Waiting until the part is worn out enough to go for a replacement is not the best way to guess when to take it to the shop. Ideally, you should have your trusted mechanic check it every so often and avoid getting to the point of having to replace the part in an emergency.
3. The bottom bracket
If your bike starts to make uncomfortable sounds of dubious origin, it is most likely to be the bottom bracket. The bikes that suffer most from this problem are those with integrated systems, this is because they require pressurised bearings and, with the passage of time, these become out of adjustment. This check is recommended once a year, this way you ensure that the system is clean and the bearings rotate without too much effort.
This is a very simple process, you only have to disassemble the bottom bracket, clean it, grease the bearings and check that the parts are not worn. If you notice wear on the parts, it is best to replace them.
4. Good tyre care
That moment when you notice a sudden instability in your bike, indicates a lack of pressure in the tyres. An unstable bike weakens other bike functions such as braking and grip, contributing to tyre wear. This type of check can be carried out at home, as long as it is not prolonged and does not cause major damage, for this reason, it is recommended to check them every week if possible.
It should be taken into account that for a good adjustment of the wheels, factors such as the weight of the rider and the terrain in which the bicycle is located are taken into account, to carry out good maintenance of the wheels and tyres, allowing them to last up to ten years.
Well, if you weren’t aware of the essential maintenance you need to do on your bike, now you have no excuse. Remember that it’s not just about buying it, maintaining it requires your dedication and commitment.
