Maintenance

Ten steps to service your bike for summer

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

Tighten everything up

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

Tighten everything up

One of your final jobs should be to make sure all the key bolts on your bike are tight. It’s also an opportunity to check no bolts are damaged and need replacing.

Most bolts on your bike will have a torque setting and it’s important to adhere to these. It’s easy to over-tighten the seat clamp on a carbon frame, for example, which can cause damage both to the frame and seatpost.

Video: how to inspect and tighten a headset

Typically, the torque rating for these bolts is 5nm or 6nm (most should be marked), and a torque wrench is a worthwhile investment to make sure you don’t do any lasting damage to your bike, while a pre-set torque key from the likes of Topeak, Ritchey or Bontrager will be more affordable but won’t allow you to adjust the torque.

Also be sure to check the headset is tight. A loose headset and the play will creating a ‘knocking’ sensation when braking, while too tight and the handlebar won’t turn freely and you could easily damage bearings and other internal components. Adjusting the headset is an easy job, so check out our video guide, which also details how to inspect the headset bearings.