Bikes are simple machines, and most maintenance is basic. Here's a practical schedule that keeps any bike running well for years.
Weekly (5 minutes)
- Check tyre pressure. Use a gauge. Most road tyres run 80–110 psi, gravel 35–50, mountain 20–30. Too low and you'll flat; too high and you'll bounce.
- Wipe the chain with a dry rag after wet rides. Moisture is the enemy.
- Spin the wheels. Listen for rubbing. Fix before it becomes a wobble.
Monthly (20 minutes)
- Clean and lubricate the chain. Degreaser, brush, dry, then one drop of lube per link. Wipe off excess.
- Check brake pads for wear. Rim pads have a wear line — replace when it disappears. Disc pads should be thicker than 1mm.
- Inspect tyres for embedded debris and sidewall cracks.
- Check bolts. Stem, seatpost, crank — all should be tight but not overtightened. Use a torque wrench if you have one.
Every 3 months (or 500 miles)
- Measure chain wear with a chain checker. Replace at 0.5% elongation for expensive drivetrains, 0.75% for cheaper ones.
- Inspect cables and housing for fraying or rust.
- Clean and re-grease any threaded parts you can access (seatpost, stem bolts).
- Check wheel trueness. Minor wobbles are easy to correct with a spoke wrench.
Yearly (or 2,000 miles)
- Replace chain if not already done.
- Replace cassette and chainrings if shifting has degraded.
- Service hubs, bottom bracket, and headset. Bearing grease has a shelf life; water ingress is inevitable.
- New brake pads and cables as needed.
- Full tune-up at a shop if you're not comfortable with bearings.
Tools worth owning
You can do 80% of maintenance with: - Hex/Allen wrenches (2–8mm) - Torque wrench (2–15Nm range) - Chain tool and chain checker - Tyre levers and a floor pump with gauge - Cable cutters - A basic bike stand (or hang the bike from a hook)
Total: about $150 in tools. Pays back the first time you don't take it to a shop.
When to see a shop
- Any creaking from the bottom bracket that doesn't go away after re-greasing.
- Disc brake rub you can't fix by adjusting the caliper.
- Wheel that won't stay true after multiple attempts.
- Anything involving hydraulic brake bleeding (if you're not experienced).
A good local shop is worth having. VeloMarto has hundreds of them.