Bicycle Maintenance Checklist Cheat Sheet

Bicycle Maintenance Checklist

Quick Pre-Ride Safety Check (Every Ride)

ABC Quick Check:

• Air: Proper tire pressure? (Squeeze tires, use pressure gauge)
• Brakes: Both brakes functioning? (Squeeze levers, wheels should lock)
• Chain/Cranks: Chain clean & lubed? Cranks secure? (Visual inspection)
• Quick Release: All QRs & thru-axles closed & tight?

Additional Safety Items:

• Frame inspection (cracks, dents)
• Handlebar & stem secure (no movement)
• Saddle properly tightened
• Lights & reflectors working (if equipped)

Weekly Maintenance Checklist (Every 1-2 Weeks)

Clean Bike Frame & Components:

• Wipe down frame, fork, wheels
• Clean visible dirt from components
• Check for loose or damaged parts

Drivetrain Quick Check:

• Chain looks clean and lubricated?
• Chain runs quietly without skipping?
• Shifting smooth through all gears?

Tire Inspection:

• Check pressure with gauge (refer to sidewall)
• Inspect for cuts, embedded objects, wear
• Verify tread condition & sidewall integrity

Brake Inspection:

• Pads not worn below wear line?
• Centered and contacting properly?
• Levers don’t pull to handlebar?

Visual Wheel Check:

• Spins true without wobble?
• No loose spokes? (Squeeze pairs)
• Rims free of damage?

Monthly Maintenance Checklist

Thorough Cleaning:

• Wash entire bike (avoid high pressure)
• Detail clean between components
• Dry completely after washing

Drivetrain Deep Clean:

• Degrease chain, cassette, chainrings, derailleurs
• Clean jockey wheels
• Reapply appropriate lubricant

Chain Wear Check:

• Use chain wear tool to check elongation
• Replace at 0.5-0.75% wear (depending on drivetrain)

Detailed Brake Service:

• Inspect pad thickness (replace if <1.5mm)
• Clean braking surfaces (alcohol for disc rotors)
• Adjust cable tension if needed

Wheel Trueness:

• Spin wheels to check lateral & radial true
• Tighten loose spokes (¼ turn increments)
• Check hub bearing play

Bolt Check:

• Verify all visible bolts are tight
• Pay special attention to:
  • Stem bolts (both steerer and handlebar)
  • Crank arms & chainring bolts
  • Brake & shifter mounts
  • Rack & fender mounts

Quarterly/Seasonal Maintenance

Drivetrain Assessment:

• Inspect chainring teeth for wear
• Check cassette for shark-toothing
• Verify chain replacement if needed
• Check derailleur hanger alignment

Cable & Housing Inspection:

• Check for fraying, kinks, or corrosion
• Verify smooth operation
• Lubricate or replace as needed
• Adjust cable tension

Bearing Systems Check:

• Headset: No play or notchy feeling
• Bottom bracket: No play or rough rotation
• Hubs: Proper adjustment, smooth rotation
• Pedals: Spin freely without play

Component-Specific Checks:

• Suspension: Wipe stanchions, check sag
• Dropper post: Function check, clean & lubricate
• Clipless pedals: Cleat wear, spring tension
• Accessories: Lights, computer mounts, etc.

Frame & Fork Inspection:

• Thorough check for cracks or damage
• Inspect welds and high-stress areas
• Check for unusual noises or flex

Annual Complete Service

Full Disassembly & Cleaning:

• Remove all components
• Clean frame thoroughly
• Inspect frame for damage

Bearing Service:

• Headset: Clean & regrease or replace
• Bottom bracket: Service or replace
• Wheel hubs: Adjust or rebuild
• Pedals: Service internal bearings

Drivetrain Overhaul:

• Replace chain (regardless of wear)
• Inspect cassette & chainrings
• Replace if needed
• Clean & lubricate all components

Complete Brake Service:

• Replace pads if <50% life remains
• Bleed hydraulic systems
• Replace cables & housing for mechanical
• Clean & lubricate caliper pivots

Wheel Service:

• Check spoke tension
• True wheels in all dimensions
• Inspect rim for wear & damage
• Replace rim tape if degraded

Full Cable Replacement:

• Replace all shift cables & housing
• Replace brake cables & housing (if mechanical)
• Verify proper routing & tension

Task-Specific Procedures

Chain Cleaning & Lubrication

• Wipe chain with dry rag to remove surface grit
• Apply degreaser to chain while backpedaling
• Scrub with brush if heavily soiled
• Rinse thoroughly (if using wet degreaser)
• Dry completely with clean rag
• Apply lubricant to inner rollers only
• Backpedal to distribute lubricant
• Let sit 5-10 minutes
• Wipe off excess thoroughly

Flat Tire Repair

• Remove wheel from bike
• Release remaining air from tube
• Use tire levers to remove one side of tire
• Remove tube carefully
• Inspect tire interior for sharp objects
• Check rim tape condition
• Install new tube slightly inflated
• Mount tire starting opposite valve
• Check for pinched tube before fully mounting
• Inflate to recommended pressure
• Verify tire seated evenly on rim

Basic Derailleur Adjustment

• Shift to smallest rear cog
• Check upper pulley aligns with smallest cog
• Adjust H-limit screw if needed
• Shift to largest cog
• Check upper pulley aligns with largest cog
• Adjust L-limit screw if needed
• Fine-tune cable tension with barrel adjuster
• Test shift through all gears in both directions

Brake Pad Replacement

Rim Brakes:

• Open brake quick release
• Remove old pads (note orientation)
• Clean brake arms
• Install new pads (direction matters)
• Align pads to hit rim squarely
• Set toe-in (1-2mm)
• Adjust cable tension for proper clearance
• Test braking action

Disc Brakes:

• Remove wheel if necessary
• Remove pin/retaining clip
• Remove old pads and spring
• Clean caliper with alcohol (avoid touching rotor)
• Push pistons back fully
• Install new pads and spring
• Reinstall retaining pin/clip
• Pump brake lever to position pads

Maintenance Tracking Log

Tool Checklist for Basic Maintenance

• Allen wrench set (2-8mm)
• Tire levers
• Floor pump with gauge
• Chain tool
• Chain lubricant
• Degreaser
• Clean rags
• Multi-tool
• Torx T25 (for disc rotors)
• Chain wear indicator
• Cable cutters (for advanced maintenance)
• Torque wrench (for carbon components)

Safety Notes

• Always check brakes first before other maintenance
• Never ride with compromised frame or fork
• Verify quick release/thru-axles are secure before every ride
• Maintain minimum insertion marks for seatpost and stem
• Keep recommended torque settings for all components
• Replace any safety-critical worn components immediately
• When in doubt, consult a professional mechanic

Bicycle Component Lifespan Guidelines

*Note: Actual lifespan varies based on conditions, maintenance, quality, and riding style.