Bikechain

Checklist for Basic Bicycle Tune-ups

1. The Whole Bike

• Give the bike a quick once-over. Is everything intact or is anything obviously broken?

• Remove your wheels and clean your frame, especially the parts that are going to be tuned-up.

2. The Wheels and Tires

• Clean the braking surface of your rims with rubbing alcohol, and the back gears with a brush and degreaser.

• Are the wheel hubs too loose or too tight? Do they spin slowly or knock side to side? [Shop Fix]

• Are the wheels ‘out of true’? Do they wiggle to-and-fro? Any broken spokes? [Shop Fix]

• Check the tires for proper inflation, and for proper tire seating on the rim.

• Check the tire for wear. [Shop Fix]

• Re-attach the wheels with the appropriate tension. Align quick-release levers against frame or fork.

3. The Drivetrain

• Inspect the chain. Does it need oil? Does it need cleaning? Is it worn out?

• Check the rear cassette and front chainrings for wear and looseness. [Shop Fix]

• Is the rear derailleur shifting properly?

- Check the shifting, the cables, cable tension, and limiting screws.

• Is the front derailleur shifting properly?

- Check the shifting, the cables, cable tension, and limiting screws.

• Check the bottom bracket, cranks, and pedals for looseness and smooth turning. [Shop Fix]

4. The Brakes

• Check the brake pads for wear and replace if necessary.

• Check the brake pads for alignment relative to the rim.

• Check that the brakes are centred relative to the wheel.

- Check the springs, spring tension setting, and fine-tuning screws

• Inspect the brake cables and housing for rust, fraying, crimps and friction. [Shop Fix]

5. The Steering

• Is the headset too loose or too tight? [Shop Fix]

• Check that the bolts on the stem and handlebars are tight.

6. Other Quick Things

• Adjust the fit of the bike, including the handlebar height, position of brakes, and seat height.

• Check that any reflectors, bells, lights, racks, fenders and baskets are all properly attached.

7. The Test Ride

• Listen for any creaks or grinding sounds? Does anything feel loose or unsteady?