If you’re a passionate mountain biker you’ll know that maintaining your bike is just as crucial as riding it. Regular servicing not only ensures the best performance but also prolongs the life of your beloved two-wheeled companion. Here’s a quick run-down of the nitty-gritty of mountain bike maintenance – grab your toolkit and let’s take a look at what it takes to keep your mountain bike in peak condition.
Tuning brakes:
1. Begin by inspecting your hydraulic disc brake pads for wear and tear. Look for thinning or glazing on the pads; if they appear worn out, it’s time to replace them to maintain efficient braking performance.
2. Align the break calipers: a common “trick” to aligning a hydraulic brake caliper is to slacken the mounting bolts slightly, pull the brake lever hard while the caliper is free to move, then tightening the bolts back up while the brake pads are firm against the rotor.
3. Bleeding hydraulic brakes: most of us have hydraulic brakes, so periodic bleeding is essential to remove air bubbles and maintain consistent braking power. Refer to your bike’s manual or come and talk to us if you’re not sure about this one.
Cleaning and greasing:
4. Degrease chain and drivetrain: use a degreaser and a brush to thoroughly clean the chain, cassette, and derailleurs. Removing built-up grime and old lubricant will improve shifting performance and extend the lifespan of your drivetrain components.
5. Wash frame and components: give your bike a gentle wash using a mild detergent and water. Pay attention to hard-to-reach areas like the bottom bracket and suspension linkages. Avoid using high-pressure water, as it can force water into sensitive components.
6. Apply lubrication: after cleaning, apply a suitable lubricant to the chain, pivot points, and other moving parts. Be sure to use a lubricant specifically designed for bikes and avoid over-application, as excess lubricant can attract dirt and debris.
7. Grease bearings and bolts: Check and grease the bearings in your headset, bottom bracket, and wheel hubs to ensure smooth rotation and prevent premature wear. Additionally, inspect and grease all bolts to prevent corrosion and ensure proper tightening.
Suspension maintenance:
8. Check air pressure: if your mountain bike is equipped with air-sprung suspension, regularly check and adjust the air pressure according to your weight and riding preferences. Consult the manufacturer’s recommendations for the appropriate pressure range, or have a chat to us and we’ll be able to help you out.
9. Inspect seals and bushings: periodically inspect the seals and bushings of your suspension fork and rear shock for signs of wear or damage. Replace any worn components to prevent oil leaks and maintain suspension performance.
10. Rebound and compression settings: fine-tune the rebound and compression settings of your suspension to match the terrain and riding conditions. Experiment with different settings to find the optimal balance between comfort and control.
11. Service interval: Your suspension components have specific service intervals based on riding hours, such as 50 hours or 100 hours. To ensure optimal performance and longevity, talk to us about the recommended service intervals for your suspension based on your riding habits and conditions. Our expert team can provide tailored advice and service to keep your suspension in top shape.
Wheel and tyre maintenance:
12. Check tyre pressure: maintain the recommended tyre pressure to optimise traction and rolling resistance. Use a high-quality tyre gauge to accurately measure pressure before each ride.
13. Inspect tread wear: regularly inspect the tread pattern of your tyres for signs of wear and replace them if the tread depth becomes too shallow. Worn tyres compromise grip and increase the risk of punctures.
14. True and tension wheels: periodically check the spoke tension and trueness of your wheels. Use a spoke wrench to adjust tension as needed and true the wheels to eliminate any wobbles or hops.
15. Sealant refresh: if you’re running tubeless tyres, periodically refresh the sealant to maintain puncture protection. Remove the valve core, inject fresh sealant, and rotate the tyre to distribute it evenly.
We know that many of our customers love their bikes but just don’t have the time or expertise to give them the love and attention the need. So that’s why we offer a comprehensive list of service packages so you can get maximum enjoyment from your bike and leave the technical stuff to us.
You can check out our mountain bike service packages here: https://www.3sixtysports.co.nz/workshop/