How to take care of your bike!
We’ve put together a few simple tips to help you take care of your bike — whether it’s brand new, new-to-you, or freshly rescued from the back of your grandparents’ shed. These are general guidelines we recommend to help keep your bike running smoothly for years to come.
There are countless techniques and tricks when it comes to bike maintenance (that’s part of what keeps things interesting — and keeps us in business!). So don’t stress if you do things a little differently. Think of these as helpful reminders and best practices to keep you rolling confidently.
1. Keep it Clean
(But Not Overwashed)
Wipe your frame and drivetrain down after wet or dirty rides.Use mild soap and water — avoid high-pressure washers (they force water into bearings).Dry it properly before storing.Clean bikes last longer and make problems easier to spot.
Check out some cleaning products that we offer!
2. Lube your Chain
Regularly - Avoid an Orange Chain!
- Apply chain lube every 2–4 rides (or after wet rides).
- Wipe off excess, more lube isn’t better.
- A dry, squeaky chain = expensive wear over time.
On any drivetrain, proper lubrication protects your cassette and chainrings, the costly parts.
Check out chain lube that we reccomend, or for the die-hards: WAXING!
3. Check your Tire Pressure
Yes- before EVERY ride
- Tires lose air faster than you think.
- Proper pressure improves ride quality and prevents rim damage.
- Follow the PSI range printed on the tire, not the max number unless needed.
Check out some pumps or pressure guages that we reccomend!
4. Protect your Drivetrain
This is all the parts on the rear wheel that connect to the gears on the front.
- Avoid cross-chaining (big ring to big cog, small ring to small cog).
- Shift smoothly by easing up on pedal pressure during shifts.
- Replace your chain before it’s fully worn (we can measure this).
Replacing a chain early is much cheaper than replacing a cassette.
5. Inspect Bolts & Carbon Components
Give your own bike a safety check!
Turn your handlbars 90 degrees and rock the bars back and forth, if everything feels solid, you're good to go! If there is any knocking, try tightening (righty tighty) the stem bolts on your bike. If your bike has carbon parts, check the reccomended torque for tightening these bolts. Use a torque wrench when possible. Carbon doesn’t like guesswork.
6. Store It Properly
Leaning it against the shed isn't cutting it in 2026...
- Keep it indoors if possible.
- Avoid long-term storage in damp sheds or freezing garages. (insultated is ok!)
- Don’t hang it by carbon wheels unless the manufacturer approves it. (if you do, add a microfibre cloth as a layer between)
Reccomended Storage Solutions
7. Book a Tune-Up
Some things are best left to your LBS
New bikes stretch and settle. Cables and housing bed in. Spokes may need tensioning. Brakes may require minor adjustments. Most shops recommend a check-over after the first 30–60 days of owning a new bike. If you've purchased the bike from us, we offer adjustments for free for the first year for this reason!
The hard reality is that when you use a bike, overtime it will wear through parts. You will need to replace things. Our goal is to help prolong that process and make sure that when it's time to adjust or replace, we do quickly, so that a worn down part or adjustment, doesn't affect anywhere else on your bike!