A little regular maintenance can make a big difference to how your mountain bike rides and how long the components last. You don't need to be a mechanic to keep on top of the basics, but a few quick checks can help catch problems before they turn into expensive repairs.
Before Every Ride
Give your bike a quick check before heading out, especially if it's been sitting in the garage since your last ride.
- Brakes: Squeeze both levers and make sure they feel firm and consistent. Check your brake pads for wear, particularly during winter when mud and grit can wear them down quickly.
- Wheels and Bearings: Check your wheels are secure and feel for any unusual movement in the hubs, headset or suspension pivots.
- Suspension: Wipe dirt from your fork and shock stanchions with a clean, soft cloth. Check for oil leaks or damage.
- Tyres: Check tyre pressure and look for cuts, damaged sidewalls or worn tread.
Regular Chain and Drivetrain Care
Keep your drivetrain clean and properly lubricated. After muddy or wet rides, wipe away dirt and grit, clean the chain when needed and apply a suitable bicycle chain lubricant.
Avoid using general-purpose sprays such as CRC 5.56 or motorcycle chain lubricants as a substitute for proper bicycle chain lube. They aren't necessarily suited to bicycle drivetrains and can attract dirt or leave a messy residue.
Don't forget to wipe off excess lubricant after applying it. A heavily oiled chain will quickly collect grit and grime.
Our advice: If you're unsure which lubricant to use, drop into Chain Reaction. We'll help you choose one that suits your riding conditions and show you how to apply it properly.
Every Six Months – Time for a Check-Up?
If you're riding regularly, six months is a sensible time to have your bike checked over. Even when everything feels fine, gear cables, brake pads, bearings and drivetrain components may need attention.
Our General Service covers the important adjustments and safety checks to keep your bike running smoothly.
Depending on how much you ride, your suspension may also be due for attention. Many forks have lower-leg service recommendations around 50 hours, but intervals vary by manufacturer and model. Frequent bike park riding, mud and dusty conditions can mean servicing is needed sooner.
If you're running tubeless tyres, check the sealant regularly rather than waiting six months. Some sealants can dry out in just a few months.
Annual Servicing – Look After the Whole Bike
For regular riders, an Annual Service is a good opportunity to give the bike a more thorough inspection and catch wear that isn't always obvious during everyday riding.
Our Annual Service includes drivetrain cleaning, gear and brake checks, bearing inspections and wheel checks, along with other adjustments needed to keep your bike running properly.
Your fork, rear shock and dropper post should also be serviced according to their manufacturer's recommended intervals. Depending on your riding hours, some suspension components may need attention more than once a year.
Our advice: Don't wait until something starts creaking, leaking or feeling rough. Regular maintenance is usually much cheaper than replacing worn-out components.
Need More Maintenance Advice?
For more detail on suspension servicing, chain care, tyre wear, tubeless sealant and brakes, read our Bike Maintenance Basics Guide.
Or bring your bike into Chain Reaction and have a chat with our workshop team. We can help you work out what needs attention and what can wait.
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Find us at 4/218 Moorhouse Avenue, Christchurch, with over 200 free car parks.