Bike parts and repairs don't come cheap, so some home maintenance tips are always welcome. As technology improves and bikes become more complex, repair costs continue to rise. Even the best road bikes , equipped with the best road groupsets and the best road bike wheels, wear out over time.
A surprisingly high repair bill can dampen the enjoyment of the ride, which can put you off a bike ride until it's repaired and, for some, can even be a barrier to entry. . Luckily, help is at hand. Knowing how to perform minor maintenance at home can keep your bike in good condition longer and reduce the number of parts that need to be replaced when it's time for repairs. Here are some home maintenance tips for regular checkups you can do to keep your bike and wallet happy.
Check chain wear
Bicycle chains are made up of metal plates, rollers and pins. In short, the pins hold the panels together and the rollers allow movement. This metal-to-metal action causes friction and with use these rollers will begin to work into the plates. After some wear, as the chain wraps around the chainring (front) or sprockets (rear), the degree to which the rollers can move will no longer fit tightly around the chainring teeth. This in turn causes the teeth to wear at different rates depending on a number of variables. This is often referred to as "chain stretch" because the chain essentially stretches under tension.
The recommended mileage for each chain differs slightly depending on the number of gears (the "speed" of the bike), the brand, and the amount of maintenance you perform, although the general rule of thumb is around 1500 miles per chain. The thicker the chain, the longer it will take to wear.
The higher the number of gears, the thinner and more susceptible to wear the chains become. Use a chain tester to measure chain wear. They come in different shapes and sizes, and it's best to always use the same string checker to ensure consistent results. Manufacturers provide instructions on how to use each tool, as methods vary slightly. The standard measure of chain wear is:
For 10 speeds and less
For 11 and 12 gears:
By regularly checking your chain and replacing it when it wears out, you extend the life of your cassette and can use up to 3-6 chains per cassette. Remember that the best way to make your chain last even longer is to lubricate it with the best bike chain lube and keep it dirt free. We have a guide on how to clean a bike chain if that helps.
Check brake pad wear
Just like chains, brake pads wear out over time. Pads come into contact with a braking surface, be it the rim or a brake disc, and this too will wear out over time, but at a much slower rate as the materials are designed to last longer.
Rim brake pads are typically made of rubber or other soft compound with an internal metal frame to provide rigidity. Or they sometimes have a metal bracket that allows them to be attached to the caliper.
Disc brake pads have metal backing plates to protect the pad when pressed by the brake pistons. When the brake pad is completely worn out, the metal component begins to make contact with the braking surface. This will damage the rim or disc rotor (depending on the type of brake you are using) and if left on for too long it can damage the caliper, requiring all components to be replaced.
As such, it's important to regularly check the remaining life of your brake pads, and it's best to keep spares in-house. Most rim brake pads have a "wear indicator line" that indicates the minimum thickness of the brake pads before they need to be replaced. A general rule of thumb for disc brake pads is not to let the pad sink below half the thickness of the metal backing. If you shine a light on the disc brake caliper it will be much easier to see.
If you're in the process of buying a bike and aren't sure what type of brake to choose, we have a comprehensive guide to rim brakes and disc brakes that should help.
Check tire pressure
Protecting your wheels isn't just about caring for your braking surface. Tire pressure (the amount of air in your tires) is critical to protecting your wheels from impact while driving. Wheels consist of a rim, a hub (the central body), and spokes that connect the rim and hub with tension. On impact, the tire may change shape and become incorrect (not straight). This puts more stress on some spokes than others, which can cause them to break. The air in your tires acts as a shock absorber to protect the rims and ultimately give you a more comfortable driving experience.
Tire manufacturers always give a recommended PSI (inflation pressure) range. Running your tires under-inflated will damage your wheels and tires (not to mention make you more prone to punctures). Mount tires too high and they may burst. The best bike pumps have a PSI gauge so you can properly inflate your tires.
Check tire pressure after a few rides or when the bike has not been ridden for a long time to protect components and prevent punctures. To learn more about tires, check out our list of the best road bike tires and read our article on when to replace bike tires and warning signs.
cleaning
Cleaning your bike is an essential part of maintenance and can extend the life of many of its components if done properly. Dirty chains and cassettes increase friction in the drive train and accelerate the wear of these parts. Leaving rain and mud on your bike can allow water to get into the bearings, causing rust and bearing damage. Rust also forms on wiring (inside and out) and affects transmissions and brakes, if present.
Once components have rusted, they often need to be replaced to get them working properly again, in addition to the labor costs required to replace them. While using the best pressure washers can be a quick way to clean your bike, if used at the wrong or incorrect pressure, they can strip grease from the inner bearing units and accelerate rust and corrosion.
It is also important to use the right cleaning products. Brands like Muc-Off make bike-specific cleaning products designed to protect your bike and its components. Disc brake pads and brake discs are particularly sensitive and can get dirty if unsuitable products are used. Oils and grease should be kept off the braking surfaces and excess chain lube should be wiped off with a rag. To learn more about this, we have a full article on how to clean your bike .
storage room
With so many metal components, rust is bike maintenance's biggest enemy. As mentioned above, if your bike is not kept dry, the list of parts that need to be replaced will only grow longer. Every moving part rides on bearings that seize up in the open air.
Not everyone can afford to leave their bike indoors and the UK climate is known to be quite wet so it's important to cover your bike. At the cheaper end of the spectrum, many brands offer waterproof bike covers that are designed to fit around the frame and wheels. While not as good as indoor storage, they offer adequate protection.
For those with more space, bike shelters are an option, with the added benefit that some can be fitted with locks for added security.
In short, taking care of your bike can help you significantly reduce service costs by focusing on preventative measures and knowing what to look out for. Knowing more about your bike can also help you feel more in control and get out of sticky situations when things go wrong. For both new and experienced riders, regular maintenance can really help reduce repair costs and keep your bike in good condition.
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