A well-maintained bike isn’t just about performance—it’s about safety, longevity, and making every ride as smooth as possible. Whether you're shredding mountain trails, cruising city streets, or grinding out gravel miles, regular maintenance keeps your bike running at its best. In this guide, we’ll cover essential cleaning tips, pre- and post-ride checks, brake and tire maintenance, and when to schedule a full overhaul for key components like your drivetrain and suspension.
Keeping It Clean: The First Step to a Healthy Bike
Dirt, mud, and road grime don’t just make your bike look rough—they accelerate wear on your drivetrain, suspension, and brakes.
How to Clean Your Bike Properly
- Rinse: Use low-pressure water (never a high-pressure washer) to remove loose dirt.
- Scrub: Use a bike-specific cleaner and a soft brush for the frame, wheels, and components.
- Drivetrain Deep Clean: Degrease your chain, cassette, and derailleur pulleys, then reapply a high-quality chain lubricant.
- Dry & Protect: Wipe down your bike to prevent rust and corrosion. Use suspension-friendly lubricant on moving parts if needed.
Pro tip: If you're riding in wet or muddy conditions, a quick clean after every ride will keep buildup from causing long-term damage.
Pre- and Post-Ride Maintenance Checks
A few simple checks before and after every ride can save you from mechanical failures on the trail or road.
Before Every Ride:
- Tire Pressure – Check for proper inflation. Low pressure = increased rolling resistance, too high = loss of traction.
- Brakes – Squeeze the levers to ensure they engage properly. Soft or spongy brakes might need a bleed or other service. Sometimes it also helps to pump the lever 10-15 times to build up pressure.
- Chain & Drivetrain – Look for rust, dirt, or lack of lubrication. A dry or squeaky chain means it’s time to reapply lube.
- Bolts & Fasteners – Check your stem, handlebars, pedals, and crankset for any loose bolts.
After Every Ride:
- Wipe Down the Frame – Especially important after wet or dusty rides.
- Inspect Tires for Damage – Look for punctures, embedded debris, or excessive wear.
- Check for Unusual Noises – Clicking, grinding, or creaking could signal an issue that needs attention.
Brake & Tire Maintenance: Staying Safe on Every Ride
Your brakes and tires are your most important safety components. Ignoring them can lead to loss of control, poor stopping power, or even crashes. If you don't feel confident enough to check these on your own, please bring your bike into the store. The crew will have a quick look and let you know if there is anything to do.
When to Replace Brake Pads & Bleed Brakes
- Brake Pad Wear – Check your disc brake pads every few weeks (or sooner if you ride often). Replace them when there’s less than 1mm of pad material left.
- Brake Bleeding – If your brakes feel soft, spongy, or inconsistent, it’s likely time for a brake bleed. Hydraulic brake fluid can degrade over time, so a bleed every 6–12 months keeps stopping power sharp.
Tire Replacement & Rotation
- Tire Wear Signs – If you see cracks, bald spots, or frequent flats, it’s time for a new set.
- Tire Rotation Tip – Mountain bikers often wear out their rear tire first, so rotating front-to-back (with a new rear tire) can extend life and performance.
- Tubeless Setup Check – If you're running tubeless, make sure your sealant is fresh (top it up every 2–6 months).
Bigger Maintenance: When to Overhaul Your Bike
Some components don’t require daily checks but still need routine servicing to avoid costly failures. Some of those can be done with general tech knowledge. However, if you're unsure if you know what you're doing, please check in with someone from our service team. We're happy to help out or book your bike for a service.
- Drivetrain Overhaul (Every 1,500–3,000 km) – If your shifting feels sluggish or your chain skips under load, check for chain wear. A worn-out chain will damage your cassette and chainrings if not replaced in time.
- Suspension Service (Every 50–100 Hours of Riding) – Forks and shocks need regular maintenance to keep them plush. Lower leg services should be done every 50 hours, while full rebuilds should happen every 100–200 hours.
- Bottom Bracket & Headset Check (As Needed) – Grinding or creaking sounds in these areas might mean it’s time for fresh bearings.
- Hub & Wheel Truing (As Needed) – A wobbly wheel can impact handling. Keep an eye on spoke tension and get the wheels trued before they get worse.
Keep Your Bike Running Smooth at Comor - Go Play Outside
Regular maintenance is key to getting the most out of your bike. Whether you’re handling small tune-ups at home or need a professional service, Comor has the tools, parts, and expert mechanics to keep you rolling. Stop by our North Vancouver, Kitsilano, or Whistler locations for a full tune-up or quick fixes, and get back on the road, trail, or gravel in no time!
