Workshop notes
A quieter bike. A better ride.
The most useful maintenance routine is short enough to repeat. Begin at the wheels, follow the
controls and finish at the chain. These checks help you notice changes early, keep simple work orderly, and
recognise the jobs that deserve a mechanic's attention before the next ride.
Put an idea into practice →
Look before you roll
Check both tyres for damage and obvious loss of pressure, then check that each wheel is securely fitted according
to its axle system. Spin the wheels and watch for a new wobble or rubbing sound. Squeeze the brakes while walking
the bike; each lever should produce a clear, predictable stop. Examine the handlebars and saddle for unwanted
movement. Lift and lower the bicycle gently and listen for loose parts. This is a comparison with the bike you know,
so an unfamiliar sound is useful information even when you cannot yet identify its source.
Give the chain attention
Wipe surface dirt away before adding lubricant. Apply a suitable chain lubricant sparingly to the moving joints,
allow it to settle according to the product instructions, then wipe the outer plates thoroughly. An oily exterior
attracts dirt without helping the hidden bearing surfaces. Keep lubricant away from brake rotors, pads and wheel
braking surfaces. After a wet ride, dry the drivetrain and inspect it before storing the bicycle. A chain-wear gauge
provides a better replacement decision than guessing from appearance; use the correct limit for your drivetrain.
Adjust with a record
Photograph or note the starting position before changing a cable adjuster. Make a small adjustment, operate the
control several times and test under safe conditions. Gear indexing, cable condition and derailleur alignment are
different problems, so endlessly turning an adjuster can hide the real cause. Brake systems also differ: rim,
mechanical disc and hydraulic brakes require their own procedures. Do not improvise torque settings or mix
incompatible parts. If braking remains uncertain, stop the adjustment and have it checked rather than using a road
ride as the experiment.
Treat pressure as a range
Tyre width, combined rider-and-bike mass, surface, luggage and wheel construction all influence an appropriate
pressure. A gauge gives a repeatable starting point; a thumb squeeze does not measure a precise value. The tyre and
rim manufacturers' limits remain decisive, particularly with tubeless or hookless systems. The small estimator
offers only a rough paved-road starting point. Add luggage to the mass input, check the limits, then make modest
changes while noting comfort and handling. A setup that works on smooth roads may need reconsideration on rougher
ground.