Mountain Bike Maintenance

Service today – Send-it tomorrow. Although built to take on more challenging terrain, mountain bikes have many moving parts. Some of these smaller parts need regular maintenance to keep running smoothly. Furthermore, the suspension is particularly prone to excessive wear damage when neglected. Worn-out shocks and forks are costly to replace. Bring your bike in for a good tune-up at least every year, including shock and fork service.

Keep Your MTB In Top Shape

Why is mountain bike maintenance so important?

To keep your bike safe to ride. Regular maintenance can help to identify and fix any potential problems with your bike, such as loose bolts, worn tires, or brakes that are not working properly. This can help to prevent accidents and injuries.

To extend the life of your bike. Proper maintenance can help to keep your bike in good working condition for many years to come. This can save you money in the long run, as you will not have to replace your bike as often.

To improve your riding experience. A well-maintained bike is easier to ride and more enjoyable to ride. This is because the parts are working properly and the bike is in good condition. Get a complete tune-up, including suspension: MTB Overhaul.

To protect your investment. A mountain bike can be a significant investment, so it is important to take care of it. Regular maintenance can help to keep your bike in good condition and protect your investment. Many common wear items on a MTB, if left un-serviced, may cause damage to the bike. For example, the pivot bearings can wear and lead to frame damage.

A thorough tune-up can identify worn-out components and keep your entire bike lasting longer. The drive train is the most common place to see failures. Failures in the drive train include chain wear, cogs, cleats, derailleur, and spokes. Left un-serviced, these items may fail prematurely.

The following is a quick reference to items that need regular attention:

• Check the frame and components for damage. This is especially important if you have bought a used bike. Look for any cracks, dents, or other signs of damage. Take time to inspect the frame, especially carbon frames, for cracks at the tubing junctions.
• Check the spokes and wheels. Loose spokes cause spoke failure, bent rims, and poor handling. All your spokes should be checked and re-tensioned, depending on how much you ride, at least once a year.
• Get shifters and derailleurs adjusted. Improperly adjusted derailleurs can lead to excessive chain wear and broken cogs. More important is being able to select the right gear without hesitation. When the cable housing gets water contamination, the cable corrodes and makes adjustments nearly impossible. Fresh housing and/or cables make each click precise.
• Adjust the saddle height and position. The saddle should be high enough that your leg is slightly bent at the knee when the pedal is at the bottom of its stroke. Set up your FIT. Saddle angle, forward position, seat height, and even how you set up the handlebars contribute to comfort and ride confidence.
• Set up the suspension. If your bike has suspension, you must adjust it to work properly for your weight and riding style. Check your suspension pivot points for wear. When it all works right, perfect flow is at your fingertips.
• Inflate the tires to the correct pressure. The correct tire pressure will depend on the type of terrain you’ll be riding on. If you have flat protection, such as Stans, it needs to be refreshed every few months to stay effective. No Flat Tires.
• Check the brakes. Make sure the brakes are working correctly and that the pads are not worn down. Oil contamination, worn or damaged pads, misalignment, and air in the line all contribute to poor performance and possible loss of braking control.
• Clean and lubricate the chain. A clean and lubricated chain will last longer and shift more smoothly. (Not too much oil!)
• Get a tune-up from a qualified mechanic. This will help ensure that your bike is in good working order and that all components are properly adjusted. Get tuned-up at least annually.
• Shock Service. Service your suspension Annually: Suspension Tune-up. Shocks and forks both have finely tuned parts that will wear rapidly as the oil gets dirty. Get your shock & fork filled with a Nitrogen Pro Fill.

By following these simple steps, you can help ensure that your new mountain bike will last for many years of riding enjoyment. Make an appointment today to get an evaluation or talk to one of our MTB experts.

Copyright Randy Archer 2023