Chapter 2: Maintenance13
Chapter 2: Maintenance
This maintenance schedule is based on usual
use. If you ride your bicycle more than average,
or in rain, snow, or off-road conditions,
do maintenance on your bicycle more
frequently than the schedule recommends.
If a part malfunctions, examine and repair it
immediately, or speak to your dealer. If a part
has wear or damage, replace it before you ride
your bicycle again.
After initial use, new bicycles should be
examined. As an example, cables stretch
through use, and this can affect the operation
of the shifting or brakes. Approximately two
months after you purchase your new bicycle,
have your dealer fully examine your bicycle.
You should have your dealer fully service your
bicycle each year, even if you did not ride it much.
Tools for Bicycle Maintenance
• Torque wrench with lb•in or N•m gradations
• 2, 4, 5, 6, 8 mm allen wrenches
• 9, 10, 15 mm open-end wrenches
• 15 mm box end wrench
• Socket wrench, 14, 15, and 19 mm socket
• T25 Torx wrench
• No. 1 phillips-head screwdriver
• Bicycle inner tube patch-kit, tire-pump with
gauge, and tire levers
• Special high-pressure air-pump for a rear
shock or a suspension fork
Not all these tools are necessary for all bicycles
Clean Your Bicycle
If your frame or a component is not clean, clean
it with a soft, moist cloth and bicycle cleaner or
a solution of dish soap and water. Do not use
industrial solvents or harsh chemicals. They can
cause damage to the paint or moving parts.
Each three months, clean and polish the frame
finish. Some finishes do not require polish. If
you are not certain, consult your dealer.
Avoid Incidental Damage
to Your Bicycle
Do not clamp the frame during
transportation or repair
Do not clamp the bicycle frame. This can cause
damage to the paint or even dent, crush, or
break the light-weight frame-tubes used in
high-performance bicycle frames.
When holding the bicycle for repairs, clamp
the seatpost. When holding the bicycle for
transportation on a motor vehicle, clamp the
bicycle by the wheels or fork tips.
Prevent damage to your bicycle
when you ship it
If you need to package your bike for travel,
always use a hard case or carton that will
protect your bicycle. Attach pads to all the
frame and fork tubes, and use a rigid block to
protect the fork tips and maintain structural
support of the fork blades. If the bicycle is not
packaged correctly, it could be easily damaged
in transit. If you are not sure, ask your dealer to
package your bicycle for you.
