How to Prepare your MTB for the Bike Season
As the biking season approaches, it’s time to ensure your mountain bike (MTB) is in top shape for hitting the trails. Proper preparation not only extends the life of your bike but also ensures a safer and more enjoyable ride. Here’s a checklist to help get your MTB ready:
*The below list is a very good start, but is not an exhaustive checklist of what can be done for a deep maintenance.
1. Deep Clean your Bike
After months of inactivity or winter grime, give your MTB a thorough clean:
- Use a bike-specific cleaner and a soft brush to remove dirt from the frame, drivetrain, and wheels.
- Pay extra attention to the chain, cassette, and derailleur where grease and grime accumulate. Use a degreaser and brushes specifically designed for bike components to restore these parts to their former glory.
- Rinse with low-pressure water and dry with a clean towel.
2. Inspect and Tighten Components
Inspect all parts of your bike to make sure they are in good condition, and ensure that all bearings move freely:
- Inspect cables and housings to ensure they are in good condition, free of cracks or frays, and replace if necessary to ensure smooth performance.
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Inspect all bearings, including those in the headset, suspension pivots, bottom bracket, and hubs, to ensure they are smooth and well-greased. Replace or service any bearings that feel rough or gritty to maintain optimal performance.
- We have Bearing Press Kits and also Guidelines to help maintain your suspension pivots.
- We also have Hub and Freehub Specific Tools to facilitate your maintenance!
- Check for loose bolts on the frame, handlebars, stem, and cranks.
- Inspect the headset by holding the front brake and rocking the bike forward and backward. Tighten if you feel any play.
3. Tune your Drivetrain
A well-functioning drivetrain is essential for smooth shifting on the trails:
- Inspect the chain for wear and replace it if stretched. Check all links carefully to ensure there are no cracks or damage that could compromise performance.
- Clean and lubricate the chain with a high-quality bike lube.
- Check the cassette and chainrings for signs of wear.
- Adjust the derailleur to ensure accurate and quick gear shifting.
4. Inspect your Brakes
Your brakes are crucial for safety and control:
- Check the brake pads for wear and replace them if they’re thin.
- Inspect hydraulic brake lines for leaks or damage.
- Bleed your brakes and clean their pistons! Now would be a good time to flush out the old fluid, bleed your brakes and clean your caliper pistons.
- Ensure rotors are straight, clean and free of excessive wear.
5. Service your Suspension and Fork
Your MTB’s suspension and fork are key to absorbing shocks and maintaining traction.
- Now is a good time to proceed with your 50H fork and suspension service.
- Look for the manufacturers Technical Manual made specifically for your products. This will give you useful information such as part numbers, torque specifications, parts orientation, greases and oils (just to name a few).
- Get the right tools for the right job! We have Fork Seal Driver Tools, Fork Air Shaft Protector, Soft Vise Jaw Pads and Lower Leg Removal Tools to help you out!
- We also have a few Guideline Pages to help you proceed.
- Inspect the fork and rear shock for any oil leaks or external and internal damage.
- Clean the stanchions and apply suspension-specific lubricant to maintain smooth performance.
6. Check your Wheels and Tires
Wheels and tires take the brunt of the action on the trails:
- Inspect rims for cracks or dents and ensure spokes are tensioned properly.
- Check hubs and freehub for smooth rotation.
- We have Hub and Freehub Specific Tools for you!
- Check your rim tape to ensure it sits flat all over your rim.
- If tubeless, remove any old and dry sealant, and add new sealant in your tires.
- Inflate tires to your favorite pressure and check for cracks, cuts, or worn tread.
- If running asymmetric wheels, we have Offset Valve Washers to help increase the contact area of your valve washer on your favorite wheels.
7. Final Clean and Inspection
Proceed with a final inspection and add that final touch to your bike:
- Ensure everything is tighten following the manufacturers specs and that and components are functioning smoothly.
- Make sure the chain is well lubricated.
- Make sure the disks aren’t rubbing on the pads while the tires are rotating.
- You can also use "New Bike in a Can" products to restore the factory shine of your bike.
8. Test Ride and Adjust
Before hitting the trails, take your bike for a short test ride:
- Listen for unusual noises and feel for any performance issues.
- Make final adjustments to the brakes, gears, and suspension.
- Double-check that all bolts are secure and components are functioning smoothly.
By following these steps, your MTB will be ready to tackle the challenges of the new biking season. Regular maintenance ensures your bike’s longevity and helps you enjoy every ride to the fullest.
Happy trails!
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