Maintenance

Ten steps to service your bike for summer

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

Check your wheels

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

Check your wheels

The start of the season is the ideal opportunity to check your wheels are up to scratch, particularly if you’ve ridden on the same hoops through winter.

Check the spokes to ensure they are correctly tensioned and replace any where necessary. Also check that the wheel is true. It should spin freely without any side-to-side movement.

How to replace a broken spoke

How to service cup and cone hubs

Needless to say, you should ensure your quick release skewers and tight and in good working order, but also that the hubs spin smoothly. If you have any concerns, you can also use this pre-season maintenance blitz to inspect the bearings as they may need re-greasing or replacing.