Annual Bike Maintenance Checklist for Everyday Riders

Once a year — ideally at the start of spring — it's worth going over your bike systematically. Here's what an everyday rider should check, clean, or replace annually.

Frame and forks

• Inspect frame for cracks, dents, or deep scratches — especially around welds and the bottom bracket shell
• Check fork legs for bends or cracks (safety-critical)
• Clean thoroughly and look for rust bubbling in the paint

Headset

• Apply front brake and rock bike forward — any clunking means a loose or worn headset
• Lift front wheel and turn bars — roughness or notchiness means bearings need attention

Brakes

• Check brake pad thickness — replace if less than 2mm compound remains
• Inspect cables for fraying, kinking, or corrosion
• Check calliper pivots are moving freely
• Hydraulic brakes: bleed if lever feels spongy

Drivetrain

• Measure chain wear — replace at 0.75% stretch or more
• Inspect cassette teeth for shark-fin wear
• Check chainring teeth for wear (asymmetric or hooked profile)
• Clean and degrease entire drivetrain, then re-lubricate

Wheels and tyres

• Spin each wheel — check for side-to-side buckle
• Pluck spokes like a guitar string — very slack or tight spokes need attention
• Inspect tyre sidewalls for cracking or bulges
• Check hub bearings: grab rim and rock side-to-side for play

Saddle and seatpost

• Remove seatpost, clean, re-grease, and refit
• Check saddle rails for bending or cracking

Cockpit

• Check stem bolts and handlebar clamp bolts are tight
• Confirm brake levers and shifters are secure