Here’s the reassuring truth: keeping a bike healthy is mostly a few small habits, not a garage full of tools. Most breakdowns come from three things left unchecked — flat-ish tyres, a dry or filthy chain, and worn brake pads. Stay ahead of those and your bike will mostly just work.
Before you ride: the ABC check
Thirty seconds before you roll saves most roadside trouble:
- A is for Air — squeeze both tyres; they should be firm. Soft tyres pinch-flat, wear fast, and ride sluggishly. Top up weekly.
- B is for Brakes — pull each lever; both should grip well before the lever reaches the bar. Spongy or grabby means pads or cables need attention.
- C is for Chain — a glance: is it on, does it run quietly, is it clean and lightly oiled rather than rusty or gritty?
There’s an interactive version at the foot of this guide — run it a few times and it becomes automatic.
The chain is the one thing to keep on top of
A clean, oiled chain is the single biggest difference between a bike that runs sweetly and one that grinds itself out.
A little more, now and then
- Wash off road salt and grit after wet or winter rides — it’s what quietly destroys a drivetrain (see wet and cold).
- Check the tyres for embedded glass and for tread that’s worn smooth (see tires).
- Make sure nothing’s loose — give the bike a gentle bounce; rattles mean a bolt to check.
When to hand it to a shop
Knowing your limits is part of good maintenance. Gear or brake adjustment that won’t come right, any hydraulic brake work, wheel truing, worn cables, or anything that affects stopping or steering — take it in. A good shop sorts most of it quickly and cheaply, and you don’t need to become a mechanic to ride every day. Keep up the small habits; leave the fiddly bits to them.
This guide covers durable, universal maintenance habits, not brand-specific procedures — the ABC check and a clean chain prevent most problems, and a trusted local shop handles the rest. Run the check below before your next ride.