How to prepare your bike for spring riding

Shake off the winter dust and dirt

As the weather warms up, it’s time to get back in the saddle and enjoy some spring cycling. But before you hit the road or trails, a bit of bike maintenance is essential to ensure a smooth and safe ride. Whether your bike has been sitting in the shed all winter or has been thoroughly used and abused through the colder months, a proper check-up will keep it running at its best.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting your bike ready for spring.

1. Inspect your tyres

Winter storage can lead to deflated or cracked tyres.

Before riding:

• Check tyre pressure and inflate to the recommended PSI.
• Inspect for cracks, splits, or excessive wear.
• Consider replacing old or worn-out tyres for better grip and safety.
• If running tubeless tyres, check sealant levels and top up if needed to prevent flats.
  
  

2. Clean and lube your chain

A dry or dirty chain can cause poor shifting and wear down drivetrain components.

• Clean your chain with a degreaser to remove built-up grime.
• Apply a high-quality chain lubricant to keep it running smoothly.
• Wipe off any excess lube to prevent dirt buildup.

3. Check your brakes

Brakes are your bike’s most important safety feature, so make sure they’re in top shape:

• Squeeze the brake levers to ensure they engage properly.
• Check brake pads for wear and replace if needed.
• Ensure the brake cables or brake hoses and hydraulic fluid are in good condition.
• Listen for excessive noise - squealing or grinding could indicate contamination or worn pads.

4. Test your gears

Cold weather, poor riding conditions, and storage can all affect your bike’s shifting performance.

• Shift through all gears to check for any hesitation or skipping.
• Adjust the derailleur if shifting is sluggish or imprecise.
• If the chain or cassette looks overly worn, consider replacing them.

5. Tighten bolts and check components

Loose bolts can lead to annoying creaks—or worse, dangerous failures.

• Check that all bolts are secure and tightened to manufacturer specified torque.
• Inspect the parts for any play or looseness.

6. Check your suspension

If you ride a mountain bike with suspension, take the time to:

• Check air pressure and adjust to suitable settings.
• If applicable, lubricate the suspension stanchions to ensure smooth travel.
• Inspect for any leaks or damage that may need professional attention.

7. E-Bike battery and electronics check

If you ride an e-bike, ensure everything is working correctly:

• Inspect the battery charge level and recharge if necessary.
• Check all electrical connections for corrosion or looseness.
• Test the motor and controls to confirm smooth operation.

Ready to ride? Book a professional tune-up

Spring is the perfect time for a full service to catch any hidden issues before they cause problems on the road.

If any of these tasks seem too complicated or you're unsure about anything, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Let BikeTune handle the hard work - book a mobile service today, and we’ll get your bike in top shape at your home or workplace.