99% of Bike Riders Will Make This Avoidable Mistake

Bike Maintenance
Rider In Rain

Rainy Days Are Perfect for Bike Maintenance!

The forecast calls for five straight days of rain here in the DC area. That means slower days at the bike shop—and a great opportunity for you to get your bike ready for warm, sunny rides.

Most people don’t think about biking when it’s raining. Instead, they look for fun indoor activities, pushing bike maintenance to the back of their minds. Big mistake!

Don’t get stuck waiting for repairs on a perfect riding day.

Take 5 minutes to run through our quick checklist now. If your bike needs attention—or if it’s been more than 2 years since its last service—set aside 15 minutes to drop it off at a bike shop before moving on with your day. You’ll be glad you did when the sun comes out!

5-Minute Bike Readiness Checklist

  1. Check the tires. Inflate them and confirm they hold air. Recheck after 1–2 hours.
  2. Refresh tubeless tire sealant. It dries out within six months and won’t seal punctures if it’s no longer wet.
  3. Test the shifters. Click each one a couple of times while pedaling. Do the derailleurs (the parts that move the chain) shift smoothly?
  4. Squeeze the brakes. They should engage before the levers touch the handlebars.
  5. Spin the wheels. Lift the bike and check for wobbles or brake rub.
  6. Make sure your wheels are secure. Tighten quick releases or bolts. 
  7. Lube the chain and shifting components. This should be done every few rides or after riding in wet conditions. Avoid motor oil and WD-40! Use proper chain lube.
  8. Check battery-powered components. Are your lights or electronic shifters charged?

If your bike fails any part of this checklist, a basic tune-up will fix these issues—typically starting around $100 and completed within a couple of days. Keep in mind that bike shops get overwhelmed when the weather turns nice, so take advantage of rainy days to get ahead of the rush. 

Pro tip: Plan to have bike maintenance done when the forecast calls for two or more days of rain. That way, when the sun comes out, you’ll be out riding while others are waiting in line at the bike shop.

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