More Than a Machine: A High-Performance System
Your mountain bike is an investment in performance, and like any high-performance machine, it requires consistent care to operate at its peak. Proactive maintenance isn't just about cleaning; it's about safety, longevity, and ensuring every component, especially your custom wheels, performs exactly as it was designed to. This is our guide to the essential maintenance workflow every serious rider should adopt.
The Pre-Ride Check (The 60-Second Safety Inspection)
Before every single ride, take one minute to check the essentials. This simple habit can prevent a mechanical failure on the trail that could otherwise ruin your day.
- Tire Pressure: Squeeze your tires. They should feel firm and supportive. Use a floor pump with a gauge to dial in your preferred pressure for the day's trail conditions.
- Brake Check: Squeeze both brake levers firmly. They should feel solid and engage well before they touch the handlebar. A "spongy" or inconsistent feel is a major red flag.
- Bolt Check: Quickly check that your axles are tight. A loose axle is one of the most common and dangerous mechanical issues.
- Chain Check: Give the pedals a quick backspin. The chain should be clean and look properly lubricated, not dry or caked with grime.
The Post-Ride Care (The 10-Minute Drivetrain Saver)
What you do after your ride is just as important as what you do before. The number one enemy of your bike's expensive drivetrain is a dirty, neglected chain.
- The Quick Wash: At a minimum, use a low-pressure hose to rinse off any heavy mud or dust from the frame, wheels, and drivetrain. Avoid spraying high-pressure water directly into bearings or suspension pivots.
- Drivetrain Deep Clean: This is the most critical step. Use a degreaser and a brush to thoroughly scrub your chain, cassette, and chainrings. Rinse, dry the chain completely with a clean rag, and then apply a fresh coat of high-quality chain lube. A clean drivetrain is a quiet, efficient, and long-lasting drivetrain.
The Monthly Deep Dive (The Pro Mechanic's Check-Up)
Once a month, or more often if you ride frequently, it's time to go deeper. This is where you can catch wear and tear before it becomes a problem.
- Check for Chain Wear: A worn, "stretched" chain will rapidly wear out your much more expensive cassette and chainrings. Use a simple chain-checker tool to measure the wear. If it's at or beyond the 0.5% mark, it's time for a new chain.
- Inspect Brake Pads & Rotors: Remove your brake pads and check their thickness. If the pad material is getting thin, replace them. While they're out, clean your brake rotors thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol to prevent squealing.
- Check Tubeless Sealant: Over time, tubeless sealant dries out. Every 1-3 months, you may need to top off your sealant to ensure you're protected from punctures on the trail.
- Inspect Hub Bearings: Lift your bike and spin each wheel. The bearings should feel perfectly smooth, with no grittiness or play. If they feel rough, it's a sign that your hubs need service.
When to Call in the Experts
Being a skilled home mechanic is a huge asset, but some jobs are best left to the professionals. Complex tasks like hub overhauls, suspension service, and hydraulic brake bleeds require specialized tools and expertise to be done perfectly.
Your safety and your bike's performance are our top priorities. If you encounter an issue you're not comfortable tackling, our expert team is here to help. Explore our full range of professional services on our Wheel Repair & Service Page.