Seasonal Bike Check: Tyres, Brakes & Chain
Whether it is a cold winter or a hot summer, tyres, brakes, chain and gears need special attention depending on the weather. If you check your bike to suit the season, you ride more safely, save wear and avoid breakdowns. This guide takes you through the four seasons and shows what matters in each.
The basic check before every ride
Whatever the season, a quick check that takes under a minute is worthwhile. Press the tyre with your thumb to check the pressure, brake briefly on both wheels and see whether the lever feel is right, turn the cranks and listen for chain noise. Also check lights and bell, especially in the dark months. You can find the right tyre pressure for your bike in the tyre pressure calculator.
Winter: cold, wet and salt
In winter the bike is under the most strain. Cold, moisture and road salt attack metal and lubricants.
- Tyres: on wet, cold ground slightly less pressure helps grip and comfort. Check pressure more often, because cold lowers it. Tyres with good tread and a softer rubber compound grip better in the wet.
- Brakes: wet rims and discs brake later. Check pads and discs for wear, as dirt and salt grind them down faster.
- Chain: use a wet lube that is not washed off, and lube more often. More in the guide Chain care and hand signals.
- Salt: rinse the bike with clean water after rides on salted roads, dry it and re-lube. Watch for corrosion on bolts, cables and brake pads.
- Lights: check batteries and mounting so you are seen.
Spring: waking the bike from hibernation
At the start of the season a thorough check pays off, especially if the bike has been standing for a long time.
- Tyres: tyres lose air while standing and can become brittle. Check for cracks and cuts and inflate. With tubeless, check and top up the sealant, as described in the guide TPU or tubeless.
- Brakes: test pads, discs, cables and hoses. With disc brakes check the lever feel.
- Chain and gears: clean the chain, measure wear and lube again. Check the shift cables and adjust the gears.
- Bolts: retighten bolts on bars, stem, seatpost and pedals to the correct torque.
Summer: heat, dust and long rides
- Tyres: heat raises the air pressure. Do not inflate to the maximum, so the tyre does not become too hard in the sun and on long descents. On hot asphalt too high a pressure can reduce grip.
- Brakes: long descents heat the brakes. Check pads and make sure the discs do not glaze.
- Chain: dust sticks to wet lube. A dry or wax lube stays cleaner. Wipe off excess oil.
- Gears: dust and sand dirty the derailleurs. Clean both regularly.
- Drink and tools: take enough water, repair kit and a pump.
Autumn: leaves, wet and less light
- Tyres: wet leaves are slippery. Ride with slightly less pressure and carefully in corners. Check the tread.
- Brakes: braking distances lengthen in the wet. Check pads and discs before winter begins.
- Chain: switch to a wet lube as routes get wetter.
- Lights: adjust headlight and rear light and charge the batteries.
- Suspension: if you ride a mountain bike, plan the service before the winter break, see Suspension service.
Checklist at a glance
| Part | Winter | Spring | Summer | Autumn |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tyres | Check pressure more often, slightly less in the wet | Cracks, air, sealant | Do not inflate to the maximum | Mind leaves and tread |
| Brakes | Check pads and discs | Lever feel and cables | Heat on descents | Braking distance in the wet |
| Chain | Wet lube, lube often | Clean, measure wear | Dry or wax lube | Switch to wet lube |
| Gears | Rinse off salt | Adjust | Remove dust | Check cables and housings |
Keep the dates in My Bike and you keep track of intervals and changes. How to choose between mechanical and electronic shifting is explained in the guide Mechanical, Di2 or AXS.
FAQ on the seasonal check
How often should I service my bike?
Check tyre pressure and brakes before every ride, the chain regularly by mileage, and have the bike thoroughly inspected once a year. If you ride a lot or in the wet, check more often.
Should I change tyre pressure in winter?
In the cold the pressure drops slightly, and on wet or icy surfaces slightly lower values help grip. So check pressure more often and stay within the tyre’s approved range.
How do I protect my bike from road salt?
Rinse the bike with clean water after rides on salted roads, dry it and re-lube the chain and moving parts. Salt promotes corrosion on chain, bolts and brakes.
Record maintenance in My Bike →