Spring is coming, and you can't wait to get your bike out again. But after several months without riding, is it really ready? A ride on a poorly maintained bike can turn into a nightmare: a flat tire after the first few kilometers, brakes that don't respond, or gears that skip on a steep climb.
The good news is that a basic check only takes a few minutes. Here's how to prepare your bike for the season in 7 simple steps.
1. How to check your bike tire pressure?
This is step number one because it's the most frequently forgotten. During winter, air naturally escapes from inner tubes. A soft tire increases the risk of punctures, makes pedaling harder, and can even damage your rims.
To find the right pressure, look on the sidewall of your tire: you'll see a range indicated in PSI or bar. The correct number depends on your weight, the type of terrain, and your tire width. As a general rule, a road tire inflates between 80 and 110 PSI, while a mountain bike tire is more around 25 to 40 PSI.
Tip: Invest in a floor pump with an integrated gauge. It's the kind of tool that pays for itself after the first use.
2. Are my brakes still functional?
Brakes that only work halfway are non-negotiable. After a full winter of disuse, cables may have stretched, pads may be worn, and braking power may have significantly decreased.
The test is simple: squeeze each lever separately. The wheel should stop completely well before the lever touches the handlebar. If you have to pull hard or if the wheel continues to spin, it's a sign that an adjustment is necessary.
Also check the thickness of your brake pads. If the braking surface is almost smooth, it's time to change them.
3. When should I lubricate or replace my bike chain?
A dry chain makes noise, reduces your pedaling efficiency, and prematurely wears out your cassette and chainrings. In other words, neglecting your chain today costs you more tomorrow.
Start by cleaning it with a cloth to remove dirt and old lubrication residue. Then apply a lubricant specifically designed for bike chains — avoid WD-40, which degreases without protecting. A few drops per link, a turn of the cranks to distribute, then wipe off any excess.
When to replace it? If your chain has more than 3,000 to 5,000 km or if a wear measurement tool indicates an elongation of 0.75% or more, it's better to change it before it damages the rest of the drivetrain.
4. How do I know if my derailleur needs adjustment?
If your gears hesitate, skip, or simply refuse to shift, your derailleur needs attention. Cables naturally stretch over time, and a full winter of inactivity doesn't help.
To test, place your bike on a stand or turn it upside down and spin the cranks while shifting gears. Each transition should be clean and quiet. If you hear clicking or if the chain takes a long time to settle, an adjustment to the cable tension or limit screws is necessary.
This is a technical adjustment, but quick for someone experienced. If you don't feel comfortable, this is exactly the kind of work done in a shop during a tune-up.
5. How to properly check wheel tightening?
This is a point we take for granted, but a poorly secured wheel can have serious consequences. Quick releases can loosen with vibrations, and thru-axles must be properly tightened each time they are reassembled.
The quick test: lift your bike a few inches and firmly strike the top of each wheel with the palm of your hand. You should feel no lateral play. Take the opportunity to inspect your rims for cracks, dents, or wobbles.
6. How often should bike cables and housing be replaced?
Cables and housing work silently, but they still wear out. Humidity, salt, and time eventually corrode cables and split housing, which reduces the precision of your braking and gear changes.
Run your fingers along each cable and housing. Look for frayed wires, rust, cracks, or crushed sections. Generally, a complete replacement every two years — or every year if you ride a lot — is good preventative practice.
7. Does my helmet still provide adequate protection?
We think about the bike, but rarely about the equipment we wear. A helmet that has suffered an impact, even a light one, loses some of its absorption capacity. The EPS foam inside is designed to compress only once.
Inspect the outer shell and inner foam for cracks or crushing. Check that the straps still adjust correctly. The general rule is to replace your helmet after five years of use or after any significant impact.
While you're at it, also check your lights (front and rear), reflectors, and the charge of your computer or GPS if you use one.
How much does a spring bike tune-up cost?
If you prefer to entrust everything to a professional, a basic tune-up generally covers all the points mentioned in this article: tire pressure, brakes, drivetrain, wheels, cabling, and general inspection. It's a modest investment that gives you peace of mind for the entire season.
At Vélzone, we offer tune-up packages adapted to your type of bike and your needs. The work is done by mechanics who are familiar with road bikes, mountain bikes, and hybrids.
Ready to ride with peace of mind? Book your tune-up appointment →
Frequently asked questions about spring bike maintenance
When should you tune up your bike? Ideally, as soon as spring arrives and before your first ride. Shops fill up quickly between April and June, so the earlier you get it done, the better.
Can I prepare my bike myself? Many basic checks — tire pressure, chain lubrication, visual inspection — are easy to do at home. For more technical adjustments like the derailleur or cable replacement, a trip to the shop is often the best option.
My bike spent the winter outdoors. Is that serious? A bike exposed to cold, humidity, and salt risks having corroded cables, a rusted chain, and seized components. A complete inspection is strongly recommended before riding.
How often should a complete overhaul be done? For a regular cyclist, a complete tune-up at the beginning of each season is a good minimum. If you cover many kilometers, a mid-season maintenance might also be worthwhile.
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