Basic bike maintenance at home and when to visit the workshop

Basic bike maintenance at home comes down to three habits: inflating the tires to the pressure printed on the sidewall, keeping the chain clean and lubricated, and checking brakes and gears before riding. Weak brakes, a loose part, a new noise or a skipping gear are signs to take the bike to the workshop before riding hard again. At Soma Sports, in Carpina, Pernambuco (Brazil), the in-house workshop services bikes and e-bikes.

Looking after your bike at home does not require professional tools or a mechanic's know-how. A quick check before each ride prevents most surprises and makes components last longer. In this guide, we gathered what you can do at home, a pre-ride checklist and the signs that it is time for a tune-up.

What should you check on your bike before every ride?

Before you start pedaling, a simple check is worth it. It takes a few minutes and can prevent accidents and headaches along the way:

• Tires: check the pressure and look for cuts, bulges or excessive wear.
• Brakes: the levers should firm up before touching the handlebar, and the bike must stop safely.
• Chain: it should be clean, lubricated and free of rust spots.
• Gears: shifts must happen without skipping or making strange noises.
• Loose parts: shake the bike and make sure the handlebar, saddle and wheels are secure.

How to care for your bike at home, step by step

1. Inflate the tires

The right pressure is printed on the tire's sidewall. An underinflated tire makes pedaling heavy and raises the risk of flats; an overinflated one loses grip and comfort. Keep a pump with a pressure gauge at home and check the pressure often.

2. Clean and lubricate the chain

A clean, lubricated chain shifts more smoothly and lasts longer. Remove dirt with a cloth or a bike-specific degreaser, let it dry and apply the lubricant, wiping off the excess afterwards. The type of lubricant depends on how you ride:

• Wax lubricant (dry): forms a dry film that reduces dirt sticking to the chain. It is suited to dry weather.
• Wet lubricant: stays on as a durable coating and is better suited to rides in rain, water and mud.

At the store you will find wax and wet lubricants for MTB, road and urban bikes, as well as degreasers. Check them out in helmets and accessories.

3. Test brakes and gears

Squeeze the levers with the bike standing still and then at low speed. On the gears, run through all combinations and watch whether the chain moves up and down without hesitation. If something is not right, do not force it: fine-tuning brakes and derailleurs is a job for the workshop.

4. Keep the bike clean and stored in a dry place

Cleaning the frame and wheels after muddy or dusty rides helps you spot wear and keeps dirt away from the bearings. Store the bike in a dry, sheltered place.

Safety checklist before heading out

Besides a bike in good shape, a few precautions make the ride safer, especially on trails in the Mata Norte region or on local roads:

• Wear protective gear: helmet, gloves, glasses and proper clothing, which also make you more visible.
• Prefer times with good visibility and avoid unfamiliar or isolated routes, especially alone.
• Bring water and energy, wear sunscreen and respect your limits.
• Carry the essentials in your backpack and check the weather before you leave.

If you ride an e-bike, the battery needs its own care. See the guide on e-bike battery care.

When should you take your bike to the workshop?

Home maintenance does not replace regular tune-ups. Brakes, gears and bearings need professional adjustment and inspection from time to time. Take the bike to the workshop when you notice:

• Weak or squeaking brakes, or a lever touching the handlebar.
• Gears skipping or the chain dropping often.
• A new noise when pedaling or riding over bumps.
• A loose part, play in the handlebar or a misaligned wheel.
• On an e-bike: problems with the battery, motor or display.

At the Soma Sports workshop, services include bike tune-ups (cleaning, lubrication and brake and gear adjustment), e-bike support with battery, motor and display diagnostics, and professional assembly. One Google review sums it up: "Great mechanic, quick, and solved every problem." If you are thinking about a new bike, the buying guide helps you get started.

Book your workshop tune-up

Do you live in Carpina, the Mata Norte region or Recife and your bike needs a tune-up? The Soma Sports workshop is at Av. Congresso Eucarístico Internacional, 1070, Santa Cruz, Carpina, Pernambuco. Book your tune-up on WhatsApp and tell us what is going on with your bike.