Full inspections and tune-ups

Whether you ride daily or just on weekends, your bike works hard. It battles terrain, weathers the elements, and keeps you moving. But just like any machine, it needs regular care.

Whether you ride daily or just on weekends, your bike works hard. It battles terrain, weathers the elements, and keeps you moving. But just like any machine, it needs regular care. That’s where full inspections and tune-ups come in.

Think of them as a health check-up for your bike—preventing small issues from becoming expensive repairs and ensuring every ride is smooth, safe, and efficient.

🔍 What Is a Full Bike Inspection?

A full inspection is a comprehensive check of all the major systems on your bike. It includes:

Frame and Fork Check: Look for cracks, dents, or signs of stress.
Wheels and Tires: Spin for true, inspect for wear or damage, and check tire pressure.
Brakes: Pads, cables/hydraulics, and lever response are inspected.
Drivetrain: Chain, cassette, chainrings, and derailleurs are checked for wear and alignment.
Bearings: Headset, bottom bracket, hubs—are they smooth or gritty?
Bolts and Fasteners: Torque checked for safety and performance.

A solid inspection identifies problems early—before you’re stuck trailside or on the shoulder.

🛠 What’s Included in a Tune-Up?

A tune-up goes beyond inspection. It includes adjustments, lubrication, cleaning, and minor repairs to bring your bike back to peak condition.

A Standard Tune-Up Usually Includes:

Brake Adjustment: Align calipers, center pads, and adjust cable tension.
Gear Adjustment: Fine-tune derailleur indexing for smooth shifting.
Chain and Drivetrain Cleaning: Degreased and lubed for optimal performance.
Wheel Truing: Spoke tension adjusted so wheels run straight and true.
Lubrication: Chain, derailleur pivots, and cables.
Bolt Torque Check: Ensure everything is tightened to spec.
Tire Check: Inflate to proper pressure and inspect for punctures or cuts.

⚙️ When Should You Get a Tune-Up?

It depends on how and where you ride:

Frequent Riders (3–5x/week): Every 3–4 months.
Occasional Riders (1–2x/week): Every 6 months.
Seasonal Riders: At the beginning and end of the season.
After Harsh Conditions: Following rain, snow, mud, or gritty road salt.

🚨 Signs You Might Be Overdue

Clicking or skipping gears
Brakes feeling weak or squealing
Noisy drivetrain
Loose or wobbly components
Hand fatigue from poor shifting or braking
General sluggishness on rides

If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to get that tune-up.

🧰 DIY vs. Pro Shop: Who Should Do It?

Some riders enjoy doing their own maintenance—and that’s great! But even the most hands-on cyclists benefit from a professional tune-up once in a while.

Pros have:

Specialized tools (like torque wrenches and derailleur alignment gauges)
Experience spotting issues early
Access to quality parts and service records

If you’re unsure, combine your DIY with a professional check once or twice a year.

🚲 Final Thoughts: Invest in Your Ride

A well-maintained bike lasts longer, rides better, and is safer. Full inspections and tune-ups are not just about fixing problems—they’re about preventing them, and giving you the best possible experience on two wheels.

So the next time your bike’s feeling off—or even if it isn’t—give it some love with a full inspection and tune-up. Your future self (and your legs) will thank you.