Basic-Bike-Repair: 5 steps you should consider

Before you and your mountainbike are heading to the next tour, you should always check your bike. Safety should be your highest priority. That’s why we recommend the “M-Method“:

 

Bike Repair

 

step 1: Front tyres, suspension and BRAKE

  • Check the front tire and air pressure
  • Check if the impeller is running smoothly and the thru axle is tight
  • Check if the front caliper is tight and the brake is working. All screws must be tightened: the caliper must not wiggle

 

 

  • Check the suspension of the fork – this should smoothly spring in and out – as well as have the correct air pressure. You can usually find this on a fork-mounted table or on the manufacturer’s side

 

Step 2: THE HANDLEBAR

  • Screws for stem and handlebar should be tight
  • Brake and shift levers should be tightened
  • Handles / handlebar tape should be tightened
  • The headset must not have any play – just hit the handlebars, pull the front brake, with thumb and forefinger fix the area where the fork comes out of the frame at the top
  • The handlebar should be straight

 

 

Step 3: PEDAL, CRANK AND CHAIN

  • Check the tightness of the pedals
  • Check the drive and the tightness of the crank
  • Check the front derailleur and the chainrings for correct installation
  • Check the chain for rust and wear

 

Step 4: THE SADDLE

  • Check the seat post and the tight fit of the saddle clamp
  • the saddle should be tight

 

Bike Repair

 

Step 5: TYRE, BRAKE, Rear suspension and rear derailleur

  • Check the rear tire and air pressure

 

 

  • Check if the impeller is running smoothly, is the thru-axle fixed?
  • Check if the rear caliper is tight and the brake is working. All screws must be tightened, the brake caliper must not wiggle

 

 

  • Check the rear derailleur and its tightness

 

 

  • Check the suspension at the backside

Everything ticked off your checklist? Go enjoy your next adventure! Safe ride!

 

More Information:

→ 5 things you need for your after-work bike ride

→ Mountain bike suspensions: differences, set-up and maintenance

→ Bike care: How to keep your mountain bike rollin’

 

Picture Header: Valentin Rapp