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Bicycle Maintenance Recommendations



The maintenance schedule of a bike here in Florida can vary somewhat on the type of bike, how often it is ridden, what conditions it is ridden in and where it is stored.  Bikes that are not maintained or not store properly in our salty Florida environment will need more care.

We do recommendations to help keep your bike working 

  • Keep your bicycle inside the house.  Don't keep it in the garage where temperatures vary and chemicals could cause corrosion issues.  And it is more likely to be stolen if stored in a garage.
  • Keep your bike clean and dry.  Rain, moisture and dirt cause your parts to wear quicker. So if you are a commuter or distance rider, or like to ride through puddles you will find that your bikes needs service more often.
  • Never use WD40. WD-40 is a water displacer and will actually strip your chain. It is not a lubricant. 
  • If your bike has been crashed or you have purchased a used bike, we recommend you bring in the bike for a bike inspection to ensure that the frame and fork are not damaged and that it is function properly and safely.  


Below are some guidelines that will ensure the bike is in good working conditions when you are ready to ride.  And give you a good rule of thumb of when it is time to bring it to a skilled mechanic.

If you have any questions or want to make an appointment for service Emails us here or call (321) 751-5457

Every Ride


Inspect

  • Check the tire pressure.  If low, fill to the correct PSI which is listed on the side of your tire.
  • Check tire tread on both wheels for damage or embedded debris
  • Spin your wheels to check for wobbles. If the wheel wobbles this indicates that you may need a wheel trued or you have problems with your hubs.
  • Check chain for dryness & dirt - Wipe down and lube if necessary
  • Check quick release, check that they are tight and that the wheels are secured
  • Squeeze brakes to make sure they are grabbing and glance that the brake pads are hitting the rim not the tire
  • If you have a mountain bike compress your suspension and release to confirm it is properly responding
  • Make sure you are prepared with a spare tube and/or patchkit, tire levers, and a pump in case you encounter a flat while on the ride

Monthly

(Every 500 Miles)

Inspect

  • Check nuts & bolts for tightness
  • Check frame and components for wear, cracks, or dents
  • Check clipless pedal cleat bolts for tightness
  • Check wheels for loose spokes
  • Check the cables for fraying, breakage, rust or corrosion, replace if necessary
  • Check tires for wear and cuts, replace if necessary
  • Check bar tape or grips for tears, replace if necessary

Service

  • Wipe down the frame and fork
  • Lube the chain
  • Wipe down chainrings and cassette
  • Lube derailleur pivots & pulleys
  • Lube brake & shift cables
  • If you have a mountain bike, maintain and lube the suspension
  • Test the tightness of the crankarms, pedals, chaingring bolts, seat bolt, stem bolts, handlebar bolts and all accessory mounting bolts/screws.

Every 6 Months

(Every 2500 Miles)

Inspect

  • Check frame and fork for cracks or dents
  • Check tires for wear for dry rot or areas where tread is worn
  • Check for worn brake pads, replace if necessary
  • Check for worn handlebar tape or grips, replace if necessary
  • Check chain for wear, replace if necessary
  • Check chainrings and cassette for wear, replace if necessary
  • Check cables & housing for fraying & corrosion, replace if necessary
  • Check spare tube to see if it still holds air
  • Inspect patch glue and/or patches

Service

  • Clean and wax the frame to protect paint/finish
  • Clean and lube the drive train
  • Inspect & tighten crankset
  • True & tension wheels
  • Grease all non-cartridge bearings
  • Check the condition of hubs, bottom bracket, headset adjust and/or overhaul as needed
  • Bleed disc brakes
  • Clean and grease suspension pivots
  • Service suspension seals on mountain bikes

Yearly

(Every 6000 Miles)

Inspect

  • Check all bearing systems: hubs, bottom bracket, headset and pedals
  • Check all brake and gear cables and housing from fraying, breakage, rust or corrosion
  • Check wheels for signs of wear
  • Check the condition of your accessories - computer, power meter, racks etc.

Service

  • Adjust and/or overhaul bearing systems as needed
  • Clean and check wheels carefully for worn sidewalls and cracks
  • Overhaul pedals to check bearings
  • Overhaul your suspension components

Replace

  • Replace brake and gear cables and housing
  • Replace chain
  • Replace tires
  • Replace brake pads
  • Replace brake hoods and handlebar tape on a road bike or replace grips on a mountain bike
  • Replace tubless tire sealant
  • Replace shock oil

Maintenance Classes

Our once a month introduction to bicycle maintenance class is FREE to all. If you are new to cycling or just want to learn more about caring for your bike, join us here on the 1st Saturday of every month at 3:00 pm. No sign up is required, and you need not bring your bike with you. One of our trained service technicians will cover such basics as:

  • Proper Wheel Quick Release Lever Operation
  • Brake Quick Release Operation
  • Removal and Installation of Front and Rear Wheels
  • Removal and Installation of Tire and Inner Tube
  • Quick and Safe Bicycle Cleaning
  • Basic Lubrication