BIKE MAINTENANCE TIPS
- Posted on
Looking after your bike by carrying out regular checks and maintenance ensures safer cycling and helps avoid needing to replace parts due to rusting or exposure, which means you save money overall.
However, if you are a novice cyclist or use your bicycle solely for commuting to and from work, you may not know how best to maintain your bike to keep it in the best condition.
Essential Bike Maintenance Tips from Frontline Bikes Inchicore
Looking to keep your bike in top condition? Ger McBrearty, shop manager and qualified bike mechanic at Frontline Bikes in Inchicore, Dublin 8, shares his expert advice on bike maintenance and safety checks you can do at home.
Whether you're a daily commuter or a weekend cyclist, following these simple tips can help extend the life of your bike and keep you safe on the road.
1. Tyre Care – Pressure, Cracks & Storage
Proper tyre maintenance is key to a smooth and safe ride. Here's what to watch out for:
- Avoid tyre cracking: Storing your bike outdoors – especially in cold weather – can cause the sidewalls of your tyres to crack. Try to store your bike indoors, in a shed, or use a weather-resistant bike cover.
- Check your tyre pressure: Every tyre has a recommended pressure, listed on the sidewall next to PSI (Pounds per Square Inch). Under- or over-inflated tyres can lead to poor handling and increased wear.
- Use a pump with a gauge for accurate inflation. Need help? Drop into our bike shop in Inchicore, and our trained mechanics will happily check and inflate your tyres.
- Tyre tread wear: Regularly inspect your tyre treads. Worn tyres are more prone to punctures and should be replaced as soon as possible.
2. Brake Checks – Safety First
Your brakes are your bike’s most important safety feature. Make sure to:
- Inspect brake cables for rust or fraying. Rusted brake cables can prevent your bike from stopping properly – this is dangerous and needs to be addressed immediately.
- Check brake pad wear: Most brake pads have a wear line. If this is worn down or missing, it's time to replace your brake pads.
- If your brakes don’t engage correctly, visit our team at Frontline Bikes. We'll assess whether your cables or pads need replacing.
3. Chain Maintenance – Keep It Smooth
A well-maintained bike chain improves pedaling efficiency and prevents sudden issues:
- Lubricate your chain at least once a month – especially after riding in wet conditions. This prevents rust and keeps the chain clean.
- Check for chain stretch: A stretched chain can cause slipping or falling off. During your next bike service, ask the mechanic to inspect the chain and replace it if needed.
4. Nuts, Bolts & Overall Tightness
Vibrations and regular use can cause parts of your bike to loosen over time:
- Check all bolts and nuts regularly – especially on your handlebars, wheels, and saddle. Make sure everything is securely tightened to avoid accidents.
5. Schedule Regular Bike Servicing in Dublin
Just like a car, your bike needs regular servicing to stay safe and functional.
At Frontline Bikes in Inchicore, we recommend regular bike services. Our comprehensive bike services include:
- Brake inspection and adjustment
- Tyre pressure and tread check
- Chain cleaning and lubrication
- Gear tuning and safety checks
Visit us at 147 Emmet Road, Inchicore, Dublin 8 – we’re open 6 days a week.
View our bike service price list.
Why Choose Frontline Bikes for Your Bike Maintenance?
Frontline Bikes is more than just a local bike shop – we’re a social enterprise providing high-quality bike repairs, servicing, and mechanic training in Dublin. When you get your bike serviced with us, you're also supporting a good cause.