The reassuring truth is that keeping a bike healthy is mostly a few small habits, not a garage full of tools. Most breakdowns come from three things left unchecked: flat-ish tyres, a dry or filthy chain, and worn brake pads. Stay ahead of those and your bike will mostly just work.
Before you ride: the ABC check
Thirty seconds before you roll saves most roadside trouble:
- A is for Air — squeeze both tyres; they should be firm. Soft tyres pinch-flat, wear fast, and ride sluggishly. Top up weekly.
- B is for Brakes — pull each lever; both should grip well before the lever reaches the bar. Spongy or grabby means pads or cables need attention.
- C is for Chain — a glance: is it on, does it run quietly, is it clean and lightly oiled rather than rusty or gritty?
There’s an interactive version at the foot of this guide; run it a few times and it becomes automatic.
The chain is the one thing to keep on top of
A clean, oiled chain is the single biggest difference between a bike that runs sweetly and one that grinds itself out. Every week or two:
- Wipe it downRun the chain through a rag to lift off the old, gritty grime.
- A drop of lube per linkBike-specific lube, one small drop on each link as you back-pedal round.
- Wipe off the excessClean and lightly lubed is the goal. A dry chain shifts badly; surface oil just collects grit.
Do it yourself, or hand it over
Knowing your limits is part of good maintenance. Most of it is yours to keep up; a few jobs are worth a shop’s stand.
Keep for yourself
The small habits- The ABC check and a clean chain, as above
- Washing off salt and grit after wet rides, which destroys a drivetrain
- Checking tyres for glass and tread worn smooth
- Tightening anything that rattles
Hand to a shop
Anything affecting stopping or steering- Gear or brake adjustment that won't come right
- Any hydraulic brake work
- Wheel truing and worn cables
A good shop sorts most of it quickly and cheaply, and you don’t need to become a mechanic to ride every day.
This guide covers durable, universal maintenance habits, not brand-specific procedures — the ABC check and a clean chain prevent most problems, and a trusted local shop handles the rest. Run the check below before your next ride.
The 30-second ABC check
That's all of them — you're set. ✓
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