How to maintain your road bike

Keeping your road bike in tip-top condition is critical to ensuring optimal performance, safety, and durability. A well-maintained road bike allows you to ride more smoothly, reduces the risk of breakdown, sudden failure, and extends the life of your two-wheel friend. 

● Check tire pressure and condition: check your tire pressure whenever you decide to go for a ride. If a tire lost a significant amount of air since your last ride, it can mean a slow air leak or total failure due to a puncture. This requires replacing the inner tube and/or the tire. If running tubeless, additional tire sealant fluid may be required. Make sure the tire pressure is within the manufacturer's recommended limits and the correct valves are installed for the type of rim used. Properly inflated tires improve handling, waste less energy, and prevent punctures. 

● Brake check: Verify that the brakes are working properly. Check pad wear and adjust cable tension if necessary (traditional brakes), or if a bleed is required (hydraulic disc brakes). Efficient brakes are essential to your safety. 

● Visual inspection: Take a quick look at the bike for obvious damage or excessive wear on components such as the chain, shifters, derailleurs, pedals, and tires. 

● Cleaning: wash the bike thoroughly with water and environmentally friendly products, to remove accumulated dirt on the frame, components and wheels. A clean bike prevents rust and makes it easier to identify any problems. 

● Chain lubrication: wash the chain (even with spray products like a degreaser, "on the fly") and follow with a bike-specific chain lube after. A properly lubricated chain runs smoothly, reduces chainring wear, and increases its life.  

● Shifting check and adjustment: make sure the shifters work properly to smoothly move the chain up and down all sprockets and chainrings. Adjust the shift cables if necessary. Well-adjusted derailleurs ensure precise, smooth and safe shifting. 

● Bearing check: check the bearings in the headset, bottom bracket, wheel hubs and pedals for any play and that they rotate freely. Lubricate bearings if necessary. Well-lubricated bearings reduce friction and improve ride smoothness. 

● Tighten bolts: Check that all bolts and nuts are properly tightened, especially those on the wheels, handlebars, stem and seatpost. Proper tightening ensures bike stability and safety. 

● Chain replacement: replace the chain when it shows signs of excessive wear. A worn chain can cause shifting problems, reduce pedaling efficiency, and increase the risk of breakage. 

● Tire Replacement: replace tires when they are worn or damaged. Tires in good condition provide grip, comfort and safety. 

● Complete overhaul: Take your bike to an experienced mechanic for a complete overhaul at least once a year (usually at the start of winter). The mechanic will thoroughly check all bike components and make repairs or replace parts if necessary. 

1) Use specific products made for bicycle maintenance.  

2) Follow the instructions in your bike's owner's manual. In case of doubt or work outside of your scope of ability, contact a professional mechanic. With regular and thorough maintenance, your road bike will keep you going and provide you with miles of fun and excellent performance.