How do you know when to service your bike?
Luckily, they’re pretty simple machines when you get down to it. This means that there are many tell-tale signs of a bike needing a service.
Squeaks
Your bike shouldn’t really squeak from anywhere if you’ve been maintaining it properly. Where the squeak is coming from, says a lot about the problem. Squeaky brakes could mean dust on the callipers, or that your pads are getting a bit worn out. Chat to our workshop about possible solutions.
Creaks
Pivot points and brakes are common areas for creaks on a bike. A creak usually means there is dust or other contaminants within parts of your bike. Remember to lube your chain at all possible opportunities to avoid this situation.
Sealant
Sealant should be topped up every 3 months. This can be done as part of both the Minor (R480), and Major (R1190) service.
Gears
If you feel your chain slipping up or down a gear while riding, a service is definitely due. While changing gears, your derailleur should slide the chain to gears smoothly both up and down. If you hear your gears “ticking” while you’re riding, your indexing or limits may need to be checked. This is a quick easy fix and can be done in house. Bike Market offers a wash, chain lube, and gear indexing service for as little as R185.
Replacement Parts
As we know, nothing lasts forever, and bike parts are sadly no exception. Bike Market has a large selection of replacement and upgrade parts, most of which can be added to your bike as part of our standard services. Tyres, Rims, Pedals, Bars, Stems, Grips. You name, it we can supply it.
Tyres
If you find yourself pumping your tyres up halfway through a ride, you may have a leak, or your tyres may have gotten to the end of the life span. We will check sealant, valves, tyre beading and tread during every service as standard practise, all of which are possible leak points. Slow leaks are a cyclists worst nightmare and could also be attributed to a leak around the rim tape or spoke nipples. Speak to our workshop to find out what options you have going forward.
Suspension
Your suspension system is a critical part of both handling and safety when it comes to off-road riding. If you find your sag level is lower than it should be, or you’re bottoming out on your jumps, it may be time for a fork or rear shock service, both of which can be done in the Bike Market Workshop. Alternatively, if you feel your suspension is not set up as correctly as it should be, come in to the store for a free suspension setup with any of our knowledgable staff members.
