5 Essential Bike Maintenance Tasks Every Rider Should Know

Whether you're shredding singletrack or commuting across town, a well-maintained bike is a faster, safer, and more enjoyable bike. The good news? Most routine maintenance is quick, cheap, and something you can do at home. Here's what to stay on top of - and what to use.

1. Lube Your Chain (More Often Than You Think)

A dry or dirty chain is the fastest way to wear out your drivetrain. We recommend lubing after every muddy ride and every 100-150 dry miles. The key is using the right lube for the conditions. Apply sparingly, let it soak in, then wipe off the excess. See our service rates.

2. Check Your Brake Pads

Worn brake pads = sketchy stopping power. Pull your wheel and inspect the pad thickness - if you're under 1mm of material, it's time to swap them. See our service rates.

3. Bleed Your Hydraulic Brakes

If your brake lever feels spongy or pulls too close to the bar, air has likely entered the line. Bleeding your brakes restores that firm, confident feel. Not comfortable bleeding your own brakes? Bring it in - see our service rates.

4. Keep the Mud Off

Riding in wet or muddy conditions takes a serious toll on your fork seals and stanchions. A simple MTB front fender ziptied to your fork bridge deflects debris before it can grind into your seals ? extending the life of your suspension and cutting down on cleaning time.

5. Stay Hydrated on the Trail

It sounds obvious, but dehydration sneaks up on you fast during long rides. Keep an insulated bottle in your cage ? the triple-wall design keeps your water cold up to 2 hours, the smart valve is leak-proof, and it fits all standard cages.

When in Doubt, Bring It In

Some jobs are worth doing yourself. Others - like a full drivetrain rebuild, wheel true, or suspension service ? are worth leaving to a mechanic. See our service rates and get your bike back to like-new condition.