Every rider, whether beginner or experienced, will at some point be faced with a question such as: how often is it necessary to service my bike?
This is a valid, as well as important question, due to the fact that well serviced bicycles often do more than just function properly. They essentially promote safety, prolong components lifetime as well as help ensure each ride is enjoyable!
At D’Ville Cyclery, we see all different types of bikes come through the shop in the course of our work. Some are here for minor regular service, others because neglect put their owners in a position where the repairs became significant.
The reality is that bike servicing is not that different from automotive service: it can be pushed back for long enough, until little things become a lot more serious and repair cost significantly escalate. So, what would be the answer to the first question? Here are some ideas from our team.
The General Rule of Thumb
We recommend an all-around bicycle service for the average bicycle rider every 6 to 12 months. This applies to commuters, recreational riders, or even weekend cyclists who ride fairly consistently.
You can think of this as an annual appointment for your bicycle. Even if everything seems to be working fine, there could be pinnacle wear that may only be detectable when a professional takes a close look at the bicycle. However, the right timing to get it serviced depends on how frequently and conditions to which you ride, along with your type of frame.
Frequent Riders Need More Attention
If you are cycling nearly every day for recreation or navigation, your bicycle will likely need more consistent servicing. When using your bicycle frequently, the moving parts are under strain more often, especially elements like the tyres, chains or brake pads. In these situations, we suggest at least an all-around service every 3 to 4 months, with a yearly all around service at minimum twice a year.
Commuters in particular should not underestimate the effects of stop-start riding, wet conditions and carrying additional loads. All conditions are faster than a quiet weekend ride down a stretch of road. Keeping your bicycle, fast at minimum, will help guarantee you are not left stranded with a broken bracket, chain, or brakes.
Off-Road and Mountain Bikes
Mountain biking generally exerts far greater strain on a bike compared to recreational road cycling. Mud, grit, water, and rough trails take their toll here. If you are biking on trails often, we recommend checking your bike after every few rides and getting a proper service every three to six months.
Suspension systems naturally need more focus. Forks and shocks work hard absorbing impacts, and, therefore, if not looked after, your performance will drop off quickly. Still, often we see mountain bikes that have been ridden hard but have never been adequately cleaned or serviced! A little care goes a long way in extending the life of your suspension and drivetrain.
Listen to Your Bike
Some of the best advice we can provide, is a simple one: listen to your bike.
Noise is usually one of the first signs if something is wrong. If you hear a squeaking chain, rattling gears, or grinding brakes, don’t ignore it! The sooner you bring in your bike the easier, and often cheaper, the fix will be.
If you feel your gears slipping, or if your brakes feel spongy, or your tires are wearing unevenly, it is time for a service regardless of the calendar. Trust your instincts, because if the feel of the bike is different than the norm, there is a distinct possibility there is something wrong with your bike.
The Importance of Small, Regular Checks
Many maintenance issues can be addressed without visiting an expert workshop, like D’Ville Cyclery. There are numerous quick checks that you can undertake at home that will prolong the life of your bike.
Ensure that you clean and lubricate: By cleaning your chain every couple of weeks, or immediately after riding in wet or dusty conditions, you keep it from being neglected.
Check your tyre pressure prior to each ride: Underinflated tyres will wear out quickly and riding on soft tyres requires a lot more work on your part.
Make a habit of checking your brake pads regularly: Worn brake pads have reduced braking power, as well as exposing your rims to possible damage if you ride with worn pads for too long.
Small habits describe an easy way to create new habits that can avert larger issues, with the added benefit of potentially improved performance between visits to a certified bike mechanic.
Why Professional Servicing Matters
Although you may find it tempting to want to deal with all aspects of bike maintenance yourself, there are just some jobs which will require a qualified professional mechanic to achieve.
For a shop like D’Ville Cyclery, we have the equipment and knowledge to identify problems whenever possible. We can:
- check centreline alignment to ensure your wheels are straight,
- tell you when it’s time to replace your worn and busted bearings,
- provide fine-tuning to your gears, and many more.
Furthermore, a professional service should give you some added reassurance. Riding your bike should consist of having fun and clearing your mind, not wondering if your bike’s brakes will work if you venture down a steep hill, or if your chain will hold up when you need to put it in a sprint. Knowing a certified cycling expert has gone over the bike gives you the peace of mind that you can enjoy riding your bike rather than worrying about your bike.
Visit D’Ville Cyclery for Expert Servicing
If your bike has been making strange noises, if you cannot remember your last service, or if you simply want the reassurance of a professional check, bring it to D’Ville Cyclery in Durbanville. Our experienced mechanics are here to keep your bike in peak condition, whether it needs a quick tune-up or a full strip-down.
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