• vital bike parts
• repair kit
• spring tune-up
• basic skills
• safety

Whether done by yourself or your local bike shop, tuning up and maintaining your bicycle will ensure an enjoyable, trouble-free start to the upcoming mountain biking season. Being prepared for common problems on the trails is the next step. See Mountain Bike Repair Kit next.

If you are not sure where the following parts are located on your mountain bike, see our interactive Vital Parts bike chart.

Doing the following bike maintenance tips will make all the difference!

Check for chain wear and replace, if necessary.

For bike tech geeks there is a tool for measuring wear between chain links. For the rest of  us, a ruler will do. Count 20 links on your chain (pulled tight). The pin-to-pin measurement should be exactly 10 inches. If longer by 1/16 inch or more, you need a new chain. If OK, clean the chain with an old tootbrush and citrus solvent, then lube.

Check bicycle tools and spare parts.

This is a good time to see if all your tools are in order for both do-it-yourself home maintenance, or in-your-seatpack repair kit for the trail. A few spare parts helpful to have on hand include brake cables, brake pads, 6 ft. of derailleur cable housing and 6ft. of brake cable housing.

Tighten any loose bolts.

Starting from the front of the bike and working toward the rear will help to ensure a thorough job. Don’t forget the chainring, crankarm and water bottle cage bolts. On threadless headsets, check the stem-clamp bolts but leave the bolt on top alone (leave for the shop).

Lighly grease the saddle rails.

Check the chainring and cogs for any bent teeth.

These can usually be re-aligned and straightened with an adjustable wrench.

Check your headset, bottom bracket and hubs.

If very gritty you should probably overhaul. If loose, then just tighten. This will require learning and experience, or a shop fix.

To check for headset tightness: apply the front brake and roll bike forward and backward. Wrap your hand where the headset and fork meet. If there is play then loosen the stem bolts and tighten the headset. You can also remove the front wheel and rotate the handlebars from side to side. The steering motion should feel smooth, with no binding or rough spots.

To check the bottom bracket: Shift the front derailleur to the smallest chainring, then lift the chain off. Spin the cranks. It should feel smooth with no lateral play, roughness or excessive resistance.

To check the hubs: Give the front wheel an easy push to spin 2 or 3 times. It should spin freely and come to a stop with a slight back and forth motion, rather than an abrupt stop. If it is not rubbing on the brake shoe, an abrupt stop is probably caused by improper adjustment of the hub and bearings. Next grasp the rim or tire and lighly wiggle the wheel from side to side. There should be no lateral play. Repeat for rear wheel after removing the chain.

Lube the fork sliders of your front suspension.

Make sure the boots at the bottom of the sliders are sealed. Wipe out any grit next to the seal with a clean cloth and reset the boots. For more extensive suspension maintenance refer to manual, book or bike shop.

Check grips for excessive wear.

Replace, if necessary or remove and clean. Lift the ends of the grips off the handlebars a little with a small screwdriver. Work in some soapy water or dishwashing liquid as you slide the grip off. Clean or install new ones. Remove all traces of dishwashing liquid. If difficult to install, then dip the grips into hot water before forcing over handlebars. Spraying hairspray inside before installation will prevent slipping.

Check pedals.

For the traditional type, make sure screws or bolts securing pedal cages and toe clips are not loose or missing. Replace any missing dust caps on the spindle to prevent dirt or water from effecting the bearings. The pedals should spin freely. Make sure the pedals are securely fastened to the crankarms (may need pedal wrench). Make the same checks for smooth operation of clipless pedals. Clean any mud or dust from the pedal body and lube moving parts. Worn out cleats will take more force to release from the pedal.

In addition, the following should be performed a couple of times during the spring riding season.

Lube sliders and all cables.

Modern, plastic-lined cables don't need lube

Check and adjust shifting.

Check and adjust brakes.

Check tires for any wear.

If you are not familiar with your bike’s parts and their necessary care then you have several options:

• Buy a good book on mountain bike maintenance and repair. Study it and practice!
• See if classes on bike maintenance and repair are available at a local bike shop near you.
• Just bring your bike to the shop for a spring bicycle tune-up. Basic bike maintenance, including checking and adjustment of shifting and brakes, lubing sliders and cables and checking tires for wear can easily be done yourself. Overhaul or adjustments of the headset, bottom bracket, hubs and derailleurs and truing of wheels will require experience or a local bike mechanic.