Riding your bike on different terrain on a regular basis causes wear and tear on your bike. Imagine spending thousands of dollars on your hybrid bike then it malfunctions after a short while. You can’t afford to leave your $3,000 bike unattended and poorly maintained.
That would be a huge disservice to this huge asset. It is totally necessary to look after your bike to optimize your stallion for performance and efficiency.
From the tyres to the brake pads to the wheels you name it. They all require regular service to maintain their efficiency. For any components that need greasing and lubrication, the routines should be done religiously. You also need to regularly replace worn out parts with new ones to keep your ride as good as new.
Servicing your bike is required on a timely basis. Monthly, semi-annually, annually and sometimes before each ride. The best hybrid bike is one that is well looked after.
Your Biking Requirements
For you to properly service and maintain your ride, you must first know your bike. You should also keep your primary function in mind. What kind of terrain do you ride on? Do you use your bike on wet trail? Do you use your bike on a day to day basis?
These kinds of questions should help you determine how regular you should service your bike. And if your bike needs replacement or upgrading of parts to stop wear and tear.
So what are the maintenance tips for hybrid bikes?
Let us look at ways in which different bike parts should be maintained.
The Tyres
Change your tyres and tailor them depending on the kind of terrain you ride on. If you are riding on wet trail in winter, you might want to replace your usual tyres with wider puncture resistant tyres. If you are a daily urban commuter you might want to check your bike for pressure.
Before each ride, check that your tyres are inflated to the right pressure and that they are not torn. Clean your tyres before checking for punctures or signs of wear and tear.
The Wheels
Check the rims for wear and tear. For solid and robust rims, protect your wheels from mud and grit using mudguards. Also, ensure that you wash off dirt after a muddy ride.
Before each ride, ensure that the wheels are secure and make the necessary adjustments if required.
The Brakes and Brake Pads
Make sure that your braking system is working perfectly before putting your bike on the road. Ensure that both brake pads contact the rim adequately and make adjustments if required.
It is highly dangerous to ride the bike if the brake pads worn out. Always check your brake pads for wear and replace them if there’s no friction and the groove pattern has become smooth.
Disc brake pads should be replaced when there is less than 1mm of friction material remaining.
The Gears
Your gears should always shift smoothly and anything contrary should be looked at. You should replace brake and gear cables if required. Inspect the brake hoses and connections to ensure no fluid is leaking. For further brake and gear adjustment tips you can refer to the owner’s manual or consult a pro.
It is important to always store your bike when clean. Mud and grit that stick on bike components after a two wheel adventure easily lead to wear and tear. The rims, for example, are prone to rust and should be cleaned with clean, fresh water to avoid dirt build up.
It is not a good idea to clean your bike using a pressure washer as it can easily damage the bearings. Instead, use a hose pipe but don’t aim the water jet directly at the fork seals. Just point the hosepipe downwards.
It is recommended that you clean and service your bike regularly. You should keep the owner’s manual as it comes in handy. Remember a clean and well-maintained bike, lasts longer and gives that feel good feeling during your bike rides.
