Maintenance

Ten steps to service your bike for summer

How to ensure your steed is in tip-top condition for a summer of cycling

Summer is on the horizon

Summer is coming...
Cleaning the bike should be one of your first priorities
Keep your chain in top condition (Pic: Mike Cotty/Media-24)
Ensuring that your derailleurs are properly adjusted will help to keep your shifting smooth
Give your wheels the once over ahead of the summer season
Prevention is better than cure when it comes to replacing a brake cable
Use a torque key to make sure all the key bolts on your bike are tight
A fresh wrap of handlebar tape can make a big difference to the feel of your ride
It's easy to be lured in by the prospect of a bargain but make sure you get the right size frame (Pic: Media24)
Do your research beforehand to work out what you want from your bike

Summer is on the horizon

Longer, brighter and, hopefully, warmer days and the hours of pedalling they bring – summer is here and it’s time to put your winter training to good use.

But while you may be ready, is your bike? The onset of summer means putting your hard-wearing winter machine back into hibernation and digging out your summer steed, or giving your year-round machine a makeover ready for the months.

What do you need to do to ensure your bike is in top working order, ready to embrace a summer of cycling? Here are ten steps to prepare your bike for the season.