When’s the worst time to get your Winter bike serviced?
A
Early Summer, After Riding It All Winter And You’ve Just Switched To Your Summer Bike.
B
Early autumn, now you’ve swapped your summer bike for your winter bike and realise what a state it’s in.
C
Two weeks before Christmas, when it’s just fallen apart on a ride.
Weekly once-over checklist
Ideally you should clean and lubricate your bike after every ride or, as a minimum, once a week during the winter. Here’s a great video on how to do a quick post-ride wash:
Here’s a discussion point, personally I use GT85 as my lube and protector, and I spray the frame as well as the moving bits. What do you use?
Use this time to check at least your tyres and brake blocks or pads – remember the “M-Check”. It’s the combination of the filthy roads and rain that destroys bicycle components, compared to dry sunny days.
Monthly mini-service checklist
Once a month, set aside an hour or two, to do a proper clean, lube and full bike check:
Tyres – are they worn or got any large cuts?
Brake blocks or pads – is there anything left?
Cables, especially the front mech – are they frayed or broken?
Bearings: Headset, Bottom Bracket and Hubs – is anything loose or is the headset notchy?
Chain – use a chain-check tool and replace when 50% worn.
Cassette and Chainrings – are the teeth worn, as this accelerates chain wear?
Last but not least, rims (especially on rim brake bikes!) – are they worn or need trueing?
Finally, when the sun’s shining again and you’re riding your lovely summer bike, book your faithful winter workhorse in with your favourite local bike shop for a full service. If you’ve given your bike a real hammering over winter, then the ultimate is to get a “full strip and rebuild”. This means stripping the bike down to the bare frame and starting again! Otherwise still treat your winter bike to a full service and replace anything that’s worn out.
