Drip chain lube on front and rear derailleur pivots.Check that frame pump or CO2 inflator/cartridges are in working order.Lennard Zinn Adapted with permission of VeloPress Every 1,000 miles: Lubricate your bottom bracket bearings.Īnd don’t forget your higher-mileage maintenance! If you neglected these tasks during the fall, make them a priority now.Check brake pads for wear and replace them if they’re getting thin.Check your wheels for true and tighten any loose spokes.Overhaul your jockey wheels for improved shifting.If all is well, consider lubing your shift cables with a few drops of chain lube to keep them sliding smoothly through autumn. If they’re stretched out, tighten ‘em up or replace them. If you find nicks or fraying, replace the cable. Check your brake and shift cables for nicks and proper tension.Check your chain for wear with a chain-elongation gauge and replace it if indicated.(High-pressure sprayers can force water where it shouldn’t go.) See how one GearJunkie editor cleans his bike here. Wash off winter salt, sand, and grime with low-pressure water from a hose.Get your bike ready for smooth riding this spring with this helpful bike maintenance checklist from Lennard Zinn, author of Zinn & the Art of Road Bike Maintenance: But spring is in the air, and before that first ride (or as a thank you for a winter of faithful service) you need to give your trusty steed some love. Home » Biking » Simple Checklist: Get Your Bike Ready for SpringĪll winter, your bike has sat, neglected and lonely, in a darkened garage.