Introduction
Spring is the best time to take your bike in for maintenance. Here's an overview of what you should do before the driving season begins.
Washing and lubrication
Wash the wheel properly, remove old dirt and grease. Dry carefully. Lubricate the chain, derailleurs and cables with special grease. Wipe off excess oil to prevent dirt from sticking.
Tires
Check the condition of the tires - wear, cracks. Inflate to the correct pressure (usually 2-4 bars, depending on the tire). During the winter, the air may be lost.
Brakes
Check brake pad wear - if less than 2 mm, replace. Clean the rims (for rim brakes). Check the tension and operation of the brake cables.
Gear shift
Check that the gears change smoothly and accurately. If necessary, adjust the tension of the derailleurs. Lubricate the ropes.
Bolt inspection
Check the tension of all important bolts - steering stem, seat post, pedals, wheel bolts. Loose places must be fastened.
Lighting and security equipment
Check the operation of the lights, the batteries. Clean the mirrors. Check that the reflectors are in place and clean.
Maintenance workshop
If you are not sure of your skills, take the bike to a professional service. Once a year, it is worth having the bike inspected by a specialist.