Winter Maintenance

#1 Inspect Your Frame

Make sure your frame is free from damage and all bolts are tight. Check for cracks, dents, and weld failures. A damaged frame can be dangerous and could result in a serious crash.

#2 Check Your Tires

You don't want to be out on the road and have a tire fail. Check for wear, nicks, and cuts. Make sure the tubes are properly inflated and consider installing tire liners if you don't already have them.

#3 Check Your Wheels

Clean and true your wheels for safety and performance. Mis-aligned wheels can lead to spokes breaking as well as a general loss of control. Dirty wheels make braking less efficient.

#4 Check Your Saddle & Seatpost

Clean and lube the seatpost. Check saddle for cracks, rips, or tears. Make sure the seatpost is adjusted to the proper height and is positioned correctly on the post.

#5 Check Your Brakes

Check brake pads and install new ones if needed. Make sure brakes are properly aligned. Make sure brake cables are not stretched out or damaged. Replace them if needed.

#6 Check Your Chain

Check your chain to see if it is damaged or stretched. Replace if necessary. Clean and lubricate your chain. A clean chain will cause less wear on your gears and provide much smoother shifting.

#7 Check Shifters & Derailleurs

Make sure your shifters and derailleurs are working and not damaged or bent. Have your derailleurs adjusted as needed. Check shifter cables for damage or stretching, replace if necessary.

#8 Check Your Helmet

Go over your helmet for cracks or other signs of wear. If you see ANY damage at all, replace the helmet immediately. The one piece of equipment you do NOT want to fail is your helmet.

#9 Check Your Shoes, Cleats & Pedals

Make sure your cleats are tightly fastened to your shoes. Make sure the pedals are on tight, and that your cleats snap in and out of them properly.

#10 Check Water Bottles & Cages

Hydration is extremely important. Make sure your water bottle cages are not bent or broken and are firmly attached to your bike. Check your water bottles for leaks and clean them regularly.