Tips & resources
You don’t want annoying mechanical issues holding you back or slowing you down on the bike, so here are a few tips to get started.
The M Check
Before you ride
Bikes in regular use need a service every year to replace worn out parts. Bikes that haven’t been ridden for ages need a service to replace rusted parts and perished tyres.
The ‘M’ Check is an easy bike safety check you can do at home before your ride – without being an expert.
Getting a bike service
A bike service doesn’t generally include cleaning your bike, but it should include a careful look over the whole bike for cracks in the frame or any safety issues.
A service should check and fix any problems with:
- brakes
- gears,
- wheels and tyres,
- headset and crank bearings,
- suspension (if you have it),
- loose accessories, like luggage rack, kickstand, basket, etc.
We recommend you ask for a quote for the service beforehand—the mechanic should be able to tell what needs to be replaced after a quick scan over the bike—and also ask the mechanic to call you before replacing any parts in addition to the ones agree in the quote. Expect to pay at least $80, which doesn’t include the price of any parts that need replacing.
So do yourself a favour and get your bike serviced. You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes to have everything running smoothly.
