Nobody wants to end up stranded on the road or trailside and even the most seasoned of cyclists may have reason to call on these tips one day, whether that\u2019s to fix a flat tyre or a broken chain.<\/p>\n
In this guide, we\u2019ll explain the essential bike maintenance tips for those with little or no experience fixing bikes, as well as the tools you\u2019ll need to keep your bike running smoothly.<\/p>\n
Make sure you have the right tools<\/h2>\n ![\"""\"]( "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div> You don\u2019t need everything immediately, but there are some essential tools you should get to keep your bike running smoothly.<\/span><\/figcaption> Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\nHaving the right tools to fix your bike is the first step on your bicycle maintenance journey.<\/p>\n
Some bike maintenance jobs can be done with everyday tools, such as hex keys. Other tasks require specialist tools or are simply made much easier when you have a tool designed specifically for working on a bike.<\/p>\n
We\u2019d always advise investing in higher-quality tools to make your maintenance as close to painless as possible and minimise the risk of rounding a bolt.<\/p>\n
A multi-tool<\/a> will serve you well when you\u2019re out on a ride and for performing basic adjustments at home, but they lack the leverage needed for some tasks. It\u2019s ultimately best to invest in a quality set of hex keys for home use.<\/p>\nAnother option is to buy one of the best bike tool kits<\/a>. These often contain the majority of tools you\u2019ll need, although there may be some you\u2019ll need to buy separately, such as a torque wrench<\/a>.<\/p>\nHere\u2019s a list of the tools you need when first starting out:<\/p>\n
- Multi-tool<\/li>\n
- Bike pump (both a track pump to use at home and a mini-pump in case you puncture on a ride)<\/li>\n
- Tyre levers<\/li>\n
- Puncture repair kit<\/li>\n
- A set of good-quality hex keys (and torx keys if applicable)<\/li>\n
- Torque wrench (critical if your bike uses carbon components, but we\u2019d recommend this tool for all bikes)<\/li>\n
- Chain breaker tool<\/li>\n
- Chain checker<\/li>\n
- Shock pump (if you\u2019ve bought a mountain bike with an adjustable air fork or shock)<\/li>\n<\/ul>
Perform an M-check<\/h2>\n ![\"""\"]( "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div> The M-check gets its name because of the way it progresses along the bike. It\u2019s good to carry out checks in a methodical way such as this.<\/span><\/figcaption> BikeRadar<\/i><\/span><\/div>\nAn M-check is a basic bicycle safety check<\/a> that looks at all the main parts of the bike. It includes inspecting the tyres, wheels, drivetrain<\/a>, seat, cranks and cockpit.<\/p>\nIf you haven\u2019t ridden the bike in a while or are buying a used bike<\/a>, this check can also alert you to any major mechanical problems.<\/p>\nThe check earns its name because you follow the shape of an M when checking the bike, and should only take a couple of minutes. It should ideally be carried out before every ride to ensure your bike is safe.<\/p>\n
Learn how to fix a puncture<\/h2>\n ![\"""\"]( "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div> There\u2019s no sugar-coating it \u2013 punctures suck.<\/span><\/figcaption> Russell Burton \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\nLearning how to fix a puncture<\/a> will mean you don\u2019t have to call for help or a costly taxi home if you\u2019re left deflated on the road or trailside.<\/p>\nAt the very least, you should carry a spare inner tube<\/a> with you on every ride, as well as a puncture repair kit.<\/p>\nA puncture repair kit is useful if you experience a second puncture and run out of tubes, so you can repair the punctured tube to get yourself home. It will also prove cost effective, saving you from buying a new inner tube every time you get a puncture.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re unsure how to fix a puncture, we\u2019d recommend practising the process before you head out for a longer ride.<\/p>\n
Check your tyre pressure<\/h2>\n ![\"""\"]( "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div> It\u2019s worth checking your tyre pressure before every ride.<\/span><\/figcaption> Russell Burton \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\nRiding with under- or over-inflated tyres is a common maintenance mistake<\/a>.<\/p>\nTyres that aren\u2019t inflated to the right pressure can diminish your riding experience.<\/p>\n
If the tyre pressure is too high, you\u2019ll feel every vibration on the road and trail. If it\u2019s too low, you run the risk of punctures and your bike may feel sluggish. You\u2019ll also likely compromise the bike\u2019s handling.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a good idea to check your tyre pressure<\/a> before every ride and invest in one of the best bike pumps<\/a> to keep them inflated.<\/p>\nIf you\u2019re unsure what pressure you should run, there will be a suggested range printed on the sidewall of the tyre, or you could take a look at a tyre pressure calculator, such as Silca\u2019s<\/a>.<\/p>\nKeep your bike clean<\/h2>\n ![\"""\"]( "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div> Getting into a regular cleaning regime will work wonders for your bike.<\/span><\/figcaption> Will Poole \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\nCleaning your bike<\/a> will keep it running smoothly and reduce the wear on components, saving you from prematurely replacing parts or having to make extra trips to the bike shop.<\/p>\nThe muck, salt and grit on the roads and trails will eat away at your drivetrain components if you don\u2019t look after them.<\/p>\n
While cleaning your bike may feel like a chore, it doesn\u2019t have to be too labour-intensive. You could consider doing this at the end of your ride before you head back inside to get the job out the way.<\/p>\n
We\u2019d recommend cleaning your bike at least once a week in the summer and after every ride in the winter.<\/p>\n
Start by wetting the bike either using a bucket and sponge or a hose pipe. We\u2019d recommend avoiding using a pressure washer because they can blast the grease out of the bearings.<\/p>\n
Start by cleaning the chain<\/a> with a specific degreaser, which will normally take three to five minutes to work its magic.<\/p>\nWhile you\u2019re waiting, you can clean the rest of the bike using a specific bike cleaner before moving back to the chain.<\/p>\n
Once you\u2019re done, dry the bike and apply chain lube<\/a> to your chain to keep it running smoothly.<\/p>\nLearn how to adjust your brakes<\/h2>\n ![\"""\"]( "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div> Keeping your brakes clean and free of contamination will stop any unnecessary noises.<\/span><\/figcaption> Oscar Huckle \/ Our Media <\/i><\/span><\/div>\nBike brakes<\/a> perform a critical function and will lead to all kinds of problems if they\u2019re not set up correctly.<\/p>\nIf your bike has rim brakes<\/a>, it\u2019s worth keeping an eye on the pad life and replacing them before they\u2019re worn out.<\/p>\nIt\u2019s also worth regularly checking the brake cable<\/a> isn\u2019t frayed and is under sufficient tension \u2013 the brake lever shouldn\u2019t pull all the way back to the handlebar<\/a>.<\/p>\nIf your bike uses disc brakes<\/a>, regularly inspect the disc brake pads<\/a> to make sure there\u2019s plenty of life left. It\u2019s worth spraying some specific disc brake cleaner on the brake to avoid any contamination and squealing noises<\/a>.<\/p>\nCheck out our guides on how to set up rim brakes<\/a> and how to change disc brake<\/a> pads to find out more.<\/p>\nIndex your gears<\/h2>\n ![\"""\"]( "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div> You may need to adjust the indexing from time to time.<\/span><\/figcaption> Kaden Gardener \/ Our Media <\/i><\/span><\/div>\nFrom time to time, you may need to adjust your gears to stop them from mis-shifting or being excessively noisy.<\/p>\n
Although there are many elements to adjusting the gears on your bike<\/a>, being able to index them so they move from one cog to the next easily is a good foundational skill.<\/p>\nThe indexing of your gears is performed using the barrel adjuster, which can be found either on the derailleur<\/a>, shifter or in-line in the cable housing. You\u2019ll be able to solve most indexing problems by making adjustments to the cable tension.<\/p>\nIf the chain shifts off the cassette<\/a> or chainrings, you may need to adjust the limit screws. However, this won\u2019t be the case most of the time and should be your last port of call.<\/p>\nOne general tip is to avoid resting your bike on its driveside, where the derailleurs, cassette and cranks are. This will avoid the derailleur hanger bending, which can lead to poor and inaccurate shifting.<\/p>\n
Check your chain for wear<\/h2>\n ![\"""\"]( "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div> Catching a worn chain on time will save you money in the long-term.<\/span><\/figcaption> David Rome \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\nThe chain experiences a heavy life and its pitch will grow in length over time. It\u2019s worth investing in a chain checker and regularly checking for wear<\/a>.<\/p>\nIf you don\u2019t change a chain in time, it will overstretch and then wear out the cassette and chainrings on the crankset<\/a>, potentially making for a hefty repair bill.<\/p>\nFix a broken chain<\/h2>\n ![\"""\"]( "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div> Chains can break at the most inopportune time.<\/span><\/figcaption> Jonny Ashelford \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\nA broken chain<\/a> doesn\u2019t have to be a ride-ender if you\u2019re carrying the correct tools and have the know-how to repair it.<\/p>\nIf you\u2019ve broken a chain on a ride and none of the links have bent, you can get yourself home by installing a new joining pin or quick link<\/a>. It\u2019s best to carry a multi-tool with a chain breaker <\/a>function.<\/p>\nIf some of the links have bent, you\u2019ll need to shorten the chain. You may not have access to all of your gears, but you\u2019ll be able to get home and ultimately replace the chain<\/a>.<\/p>\nAttend a bike maintenance class<\/h2>\n
![\"""\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/park-tool-home-mechanic-starter-kit-sk-3-1549541887562-1v6qu7ngaj0qg-670587e-e1677582751718.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413"\" "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>Having the right tools to fix your bike is the first step on your bicycle maintenance journey.<\/p>\n
Some bike maintenance jobs can be done with everyday tools, such as hex keys. Other tasks require specialist tools or are simply made much easier when you have a tool designed specifically for working on a bike.<\/p>\n
We\u2019d always advise investing in higher-quality tools to make your maintenance as close to painless as possible and minimise the risk of rounding a bolt.<\/p>\n
A multi-tool<\/a> will serve you well when you\u2019re out on a ride and for performing basic adjustments at home, but they lack the leverage needed for some tasks. It\u2019s ultimately best to invest in a quality set of hex keys for home use.<\/p>\n Another option is to buy one of the best bike tool kits<\/a>. These often contain the majority of tools you\u2019ll need, although there may be some you\u2019ll need to buy separately, such as a torque wrench<\/a>.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s a list of the tools you need when first starting out:<\/p>\n An M-check is a basic bicycle safety check<\/a> that looks at all the main parts of the bike. It includes inspecting the tyres, wheels, drivetrain<\/a>, seat, cranks and cockpit.<\/p>\n If you haven\u2019t ridden the bike in a while or are buying a used bike<\/a>, this check can also alert you to any major mechanical problems.<\/p>\n The check earns its name because you follow the shape of an M when checking the bike, and should only take a couple of minutes. It should ideally be carried out before every ride to ensure your bike is safe.<\/p>\n Learning how to fix a puncture<\/a> will mean you don\u2019t have to call for help or a costly taxi home if you\u2019re left deflated on the road or trailside.<\/p>\n At the very least, you should carry a spare inner tube<\/a> with you on every ride, as well as a puncture repair kit.<\/p>\n A puncture repair kit is useful if you experience a second puncture and run out of tubes, so you can repair the punctured tube to get yourself home. It will also prove cost effective, saving you from buying a new inner tube every time you get a puncture.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re unsure how to fix a puncture, we\u2019d recommend practising the process before you head out for a longer ride.<\/p>\n Riding with under- or over-inflated tyres is a common maintenance mistake<\/a>.<\/p>\n Tyres that aren\u2019t inflated to the right pressure can diminish your riding experience.<\/p>\n If the tyre pressure is too high, you\u2019ll feel every vibration on the road and trail. If it\u2019s too low, you run the risk of punctures and your bike may feel sluggish. You\u2019ll also likely compromise the bike\u2019s handling.<\/p>\n It\u2019s a good idea to check your tyre pressure<\/a> before every ride and invest in one of the best bike pumps<\/a> to keep them inflated.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re unsure what pressure you should run, there will be a suggested range printed on the sidewall of the tyre, or you could take a look at a tyre pressure calculator, such as Silca\u2019s<\/a>.<\/p>\n Cleaning your bike<\/a> will keep it running smoothly and reduce the wear on components, saving you from prematurely replacing parts or having to make extra trips to the bike shop.<\/p>\n The muck, salt and grit on the roads and trails will eat away at your drivetrain components if you don\u2019t look after them.<\/p>\n While cleaning your bike may feel like a chore, it doesn\u2019t have to be too labour-intensive. You could consider doing this at the end of your ride before you head back inside to get the job out the way.<\/p>\n We\u2019d recommend cleaning your bike at least once a week in the summer and after every ride in the winter.<\/p>\n Start by wetting the bike either using a bucket and sponge or a hose pipe. We\u2019d recommend avoiding using a pressure washer because they can blast the grease out of the bearings.<\/p>\n Start by cleaning the chain<\/a> with a specific degreaser, which will normally take three to five minutes to work its magic.<\/p>\n While you\u2019re waiting, you can clean the rest of the bike using a specific bike cleaner before moving back to the chain.<\/p>\n Once you\u2019re done, dry the bike and apply chain lube<\/a> to your chain to keep it running smoothly.<\/p>\n Bike brakes<\/a> perform a critical function and will lead to all kinds of problems if they\u2019re not set up correctly.<\/p>\n If your bike has rim brakes<\/a>, it\u2019s worth keeping an eye on the pad life and replacing them before they\u2019re worn out.<\/p>\n It\u2019s also worth regularly checking the brake cable<\/a> isn\u2019t frayed and is under sufficient tension \u2013 the brake lever shouldn\u2019t pull all the way back to the handlebar<\/a>.<\/p>\n If your bike uses disc brakes<\/a>, regularly inspect the disc brake pads<\/a> to make sure there\u2019s plenty of life left. It\u2019s worth spraying some specific disc brake cleaner on the brake to avoid any contamination and squealing noises<\/a>.<\/p>\n Check out our guides on how to set up rim brakes<\/a> and how to change disc brake<\/a> pads to find out more.<\/p>\n From time to time, you may need to adjust your gears to stop them from mis-shifting or being excessively noisy.<\/p>\n Although there are many elements to adjusting the gears on your bike<\/a>, being able to index them so they move from one cog to the next easily is a good foundational skill.<\/p>\n The indexing of your gears is performed using the barrel adjuster, which can be found either on the derailleur<\/a>, shifter or in-line in the cable housing. You\u2019ll be able to solve most indexing problems by making adjustments to the cable tension.<\/p>\n If the chain shifts off the cassette<\/a> or chainrings, you may need to adjust the limit screws. However, this won\u2019t be the case most of the time and should be your last port of call.<\/p>\n One general tip is to avoid resting your bike on its driveside, where the derailleurs, cassette and cranks are. This will avoid the derailleur hanger bending, which can lead to poor and inaccurate shifting.<\/p>\n The chain experiences a heavy life and its pitch will grow in length over time. It\u2019s worth investing in a chain checker and regularly checking for wear<\/a>.<\/p>\n If you don\u2019t change a chain in time, it will overstretch and then wear out the cassette and chainrings on the crankset<\/a>, potentially making for a hefty repair bill.<\/p>\n A broken chain<\/a> doesn\u2019t have to be a ride-ender if you\u2019re carrying the correct tools and have the know-how to repair it.<\/p>\n If you\u2019ve broken a chain on a ride and none of the links have bent, you can get yourself home by installing a new joining pin or quick link<\/a>. It\u2019s best to carry a multi-tool with a chain breaker <\/a>function.<\/p>\n If some of the links have bent, you\u2019ll need to shorten the chain. You may not have access to all of your gears, but you\u2019ll be able to get home and ultimately replace the chain<\/a>.<\/p>\nPerform an M-check<\/h2>\n
![\"""\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/1424773151633-1arqoo1j42kt5-9d21918.jpg?quality=90&crop=98px%2C0px%2C1621px%2C1080px&resize=620%2C413"\" "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>Learn how to fix a puncture<\/h2>\n
![\"""\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/06\/fixing-puncture-8fd2e32.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413"\" "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>Check your tyre pressure<\/h2>\n
![\"""\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/06\/Road-bike-tyre-pressure-8-1387b7e.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413"\" "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>Keep your bike clean<\/h2>\n
![\"""\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2016\/08\/How-to-clean-a-bicycle-7-5a6ff37-scaled.jpg?quality=90&resize=619%2C413"\" "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>Learn how to adjust your brakes<\/h2>\n
![\"""\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/12\/DSC00810-f6900cd.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413"\" "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>Index your gears<\/h2>\n
![\"""\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/02\/7RA7193-ff74ceb.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C408"\" "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>Check your chain for wear<\/h2>\n
![\"""\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/1450672897074-1l2ugrovbm9xu-1459217450275-x5jww0vlywid-b4837e7-e1677581454805.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413"\" "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>Fix a broken chain<\/h2>\n
![\"""\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/fix-broken-chain-07-1518099027020-1ujjnq7p47wm3-55fdc20-e1677582474717.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413"\" "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>Attend a bike maintenance class<\/h2>\n