A little regular maintenance goes a long way towards keeping your bike running smoothly and avoiding expensive repairs. You don't need to be a bike mechanic to look after the basics, but knowing what to check and when can make a big difference.

Here are a few things we regularly talk to riders about in the Chain Reaction workshop, from suspension servicing and chain care through to tyre wear, tubeless sealant and brakes.

Suspension Servicing – Don't Wait Until Something Goes Wrong

Mountain bike suspension works hard, particularly if you're regularly riding dusty trails, muddy tracks or heading into the Port Hills for a few laps.

Many suspension manufacturers recommend regular lower-leg or air-can servicing, often around 50 hours of riding, with more comprehensive servicing at longer intervals. However, service schedules vary between FOX, RockShox and other manufacturers, so it's worth checking the recommendations for your particular fork or shock.

Regular servicing keeps seals lubricated, maintains suspension performance and helps prevent dirt and moisture from damaging expensive internal components.

Don't forget your dropper post either. It also contains seals and moving parts that benefit from regular maintenance.

Our advice: If your suspension feels sticky, makes unusual noises or isn't performing as well as it used to, don't wait for the next scheduled service. Get it checked before a small problem turns into an expensive repair.

For more general maintenance advice, read our Mountain Bike Maintenance Guide.

Chain Care – A Clean Drivetrain Lasts Longer

A dirty or poorly lubricated chain doesn't just make your bike noisy. It can also accelerate wear on your cassette and chainring, particularly when grit and old lubricant build up around the drivetrain.

There's no single distance that works for every rider. A chain used on dry roads will need different attention from one that's spent the afternoon grinding through mud on the trails.

After riding in wet or muddy conditions, clean the chain, allow it to dry and apply a suitable bicycle chain lubricant. Wipe off any excess so it doesn't attract more dirt.

It's also worth having your chain wear checked regularly. Replacing a worn chain at the right time can help extend the life of your cassette and chainring.

Our advice: Don't just keep adding lubricant to a dirty chain. Clean it first, use the right lubricant for your riding conditions and check for wear before it starts damaging the rest of your drivetrain.

If you're riding an e-bike, have a look at our E-Bike Cleaning Guide for advice on washing around motors, batteries and electrical connections.

Tyre Maintenance – Check More Than Just the Tread

Tyres have a big influence on how your bike grips, brakes and handles. They're also one of the easiest things to check before heading out for a ride.

Start with tyre pressure. The right pressure depends on your weight, tyre size, riding conditions and whether you're running tubes or tubeless. Too much pressure can reduce grip and comfort, while too little can lead to rim damage, punctures or unstable handling.

Look closely at the tread and sidewalls too. Mountain bike tyres can lose much of their grip well before the knobs have completely worn away. Rounded tread edges, cracking rubber, damaged sidewalls and exposed casing are all signs that a tyre may need replacing.

Our advice: If your bike isn't gripping or braking as well as it used to, take a good look at the tyres. Worn or hardened rubber can make a surprising difference, especially on loose or wet trails.

Road riders can find more regular maintenance advice in our Road Bike Maintenance Guide.

Tubeless Sealant – Don't Forget What's Inside Your Tyres

Tubeless tyres are excellent for reducing punctures and allowing lower tyre pressures, but the sealant inside doesn't last forever.

As a general guide, check your sealant every 2–4 months, depending on the product, temperature and how often you're riding. Some sealants last longer, while hot weather and frequent riding can mean more regular top-ups are needed.

Rather than relying on shaking the tyre, check the sealant through the valve with the core removed or carefully inspect inside the tyre. Follow the sealant manufacturer's recommendations for checking and topping up.

While you're there, inspect the tyre for dried sealant, damaged casing or leaks around the valve and rim tape.

Our advice: Don't wait until you get a puncture that won't seal. A quick sealant check every few months is much easier than dealing with a flat tyre halfway through a ride.

Brake Maintenance – Don't Ignore a Changing Lever Feel

Your brakes should feel consistent every time you pull the lever. If the bite point starts moving, the lever feels spongy or braking power drops away, it's worth finding out why.

Check your brake pads regularly, particularly if you're riding in wet or muddy conditions. Pads can wear surprisingly quickly over a Christchurch winter, and leaving them too long can damage your rotors.

Hydraulic brakes may also need bleeding to remove trapped air or replace old fluid. However, a soft lever isn't always caused by air. Worn seals, leaking hoses or damaged components can produce similar symptoms.

Our advice: If your brakes aren't feeling right, don't ignore them. A quick inspection can often identify the problem before it becomes a more expensive repair.

If you enjoy working on your own bike, read our How to Bleed Your Own Bike Brakes guide. It covers Shimano, SRAM, Tektro and TRP systems, including choosing the correct fluid and checking brake pads and rotors.

Not sure which tools you need? Our Brake Bleed Kit Buying Guide explains the differences between kits and helps you choose the right one for your brakes.

When Should You Book a Bike Service?

Even if you're keeping on top of the basics at home, it's worth having your bike checked regularly by an experienced mechanic.

Brake pads wear, bearings develop play, cables stretch and components can loosen over time. Catching these things early can save money and keep your bike safer to ride.

At Chain Reaction, our Christchurch workshop handles everything from general tune-ups and drivetrain maintenance to suspension servicing, wheel building and e-bike diagnostics.

Not sure what your bike needs? Bring it in and have a chat with our mechanics. We'll take a look and help you work out what's worth doing now and what can wait.

View Our Workshop Services and Book a Bike Service

You'll find us at 4/218 Moorhouse Avenue, Christchurch, with over 200 free car parks available.