What should I service?

[simon the viking]

I know the basics of cycle maintenance (changed old style bottom bearings, Adjusted head sets and fitted a new rear mech to Mrs V's bike recently) and I've recently bought a cheap bike tool kit

Now to the point..... My Defy is coming up to 12 months old (2000 miles covered) , I've upgraded the wheels 6 weeks ago to ones with sealed bearings, I clean and 'oil' the chain every month or so and it had a new chain at 1200 miles and tightened the head set when it started clunking from there (sorted problem)..... and I check pads regularly and change when needed....So what actually needs doing? I'm assuming cable lubing and not much else? as its a sealed bottom bearing and all the gears work fine......

My LBS are VERY good and charge £30 for a service and I would be willing to pay it for an older bike..... but I just can't see a 2013 bike needing that much of a service... what do I need to do with my shiny new tools?

 

[KneesUp]

Having had a few issues with things getting stuck, I intend - at some point - to initiate a routine of stripping things and greasing the threads. Your BB might not be serviceable, but if you want to replace yourself when the time comes, take it out every now and again and grease the threads. The same goes for the headset and the seat post.

 

[simon the viking]

Having had a few issues with things getting stuck, I intend - at some point - to initiate a routine of stripping things and greasing the threads. Your BB might not be serviceable, but if you want to replace yourself when the time comes, take it out every now and again and grease the threads. The same goes for the headset and the seat post.

I've done the seat post a few times due to a stuck seat post on the old bike, and the head set was loosened then tightened back up (no extra grease required) but haven't touched the bottom bracket but as you say it might be an idea to take it out, grease the threads and put back in... But I cant think of much else?

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

I've done the seat post a few times due to a stuck seat post on the old bike, and the head set was loosened then tightened back up (no extra grease required) but haven't touched the bottom bracket but as you say it might be an idea to take it out, grease the threads and put back in... But I cant think of much else?

worth doing the pedals as well.. greasing the threads that is.

Edit: and also probably any exposed cables and possibly the STI levers if it is a road bike. (I have had issues with both of these causing gear problems on a previous bike)

 

[simon the viking]

Think, I might have done pedals (can't remember for certain) trying to cure a creak which I've decided is definitely seat.... but will re-do them and was going to do cables

 

[boydj]

Take off the brakes and mechs too in order to give them a good clean. Do the same with the cassette, which will give you a chance to give the rear hub a good clean. As indicated above, just taking things apart and cleaning and greasing threads is good for the longer term.