“Pro tips, DIY guides, and when to call in the experts—straight from the mechanics at Brad’s Bikes.”

Table of Contents

1. Why Regular Maintenance Matters
2. Quick Pre‑Ride Checklist (Infographic)
3. Weekly Jobs You Can DIY
4. Monthly TLC for Every Bike
5. Seasonal / Annual Service Intervals
6. Road vs E‑Bike Maintenance Explained
7. Essential Tools & Supplies
8. DIY vs Pro: When to Hand It Over
9. Video Tutorials Library
10. FAQs

Bike Maintenance Hub

Why Regular Maintenance Matters

Regular maintenance matters because it keeps you safe, fast, and flush with cash—simple as that. Ten minutes with a rag and a torque key beat ten hours in the ER or ten days waiting on back‑ordered parts. Every quick wipe, pressure check, and bolt tweak shaves seconds off climbs, silences annoying creaks, and saves notes of dollars you’d otherwise funnel into replacement cassettes. It’s freedom insurance: the confidence that your brakes will bite on a wet descent and your chain won’t snap halfway to Akuna Bay. Skip the basics and those innocent squeaks morph into seized bearings, warped rotors, and weekends spent on the couch instead of the saddle.

It’s cheaper to preserve than to replace. Swapping a chain the moment it hits 0.5 % wear costs less than $60. Ignore it and you’ll chew through a $60> cassette and maybe a $250> set of chainrings. Multiply that across a year of commuting and weekend rides, and you’ve either banked a holiday’s worth of savings…or spent it on parts you could’ve avoided.

Performance loves a clean bike. Freshly lubricated bearings spin freer, tyre pressures matched to your weight roll faster, and crisp shifting means no power lost to ghost gears. Whether you’re chasing a PB or just beating Sydney traffic, maintenance is free speed.

Safety isn’t optional. Every season we rescue riders whose “soft front brake” turned into a near‑miss on Military Road. The fix was a 10‑minute pad swap they could’ve done on the driveway. Keeping bolts torqued and rubber fresh isn’t overkill—it’s peace of mind every time you drop into Spit Road’s descent.

Resale value stays high. A service log and shiny drivetrain tell the next owner you cared. That can add hundreds to a sale price or make your trade‑in happen instantly.

The best part? Basic upkeep is easier than it looks, and we’re here to show you how. Scroll on for quick checklists, weekly habits, and the monthly TLC that keeps your ride dialled. Need a pro once‑over instead? Book a Tune‑Up in two clicks and let Brad’s crew handle the grease.

3. The 10‑Minute Pre‑Ride Safety Check

Before you clip in, give your bike a once‑over that can save you time, money, and skin. This quick loop takes less than a coffee break and catches 90% of the issues we see roll into the Brad’s Bikes workshop.

1. Squeeze the brakes – Pull each lever hard. You want a firm bite, no sponginess. If the lever kisses the bar, it’s bleed‑time or new pads.
2. Spin & sight the wheels – Lift each wheel and spin. Look for wobbles or touching brake pads. Minor rub? Open the quick release, centre the wheel, and re‑seat. Still out? Book our wheel‑truing service.
3. Check critical bolts – Stem, seatpost, and thru‑axles should be snug. Use a torque key (5 Nm for most stem bolts) to avoid over‑tightening.
4. Chain & drivetrain feel – Run the pedals backwards. A dry, squeaky chain needs lube; a gritty one needs a full degrease. Catch it early and your cassette will last seasons longer.
5. Tyre pressure & tread – Pinch the sidewalls; if they feel soft, pump up to the recommended PSI stamped on the tyre. Scan for cuts and glass shards while you’re there.
6. Lights & accessories – Switch on lights, computer, and sensors. Nothing ruins a dawn ride like a dead head‑unit battery.
7. Suspension & dropper (MTB/Gravel) – Press down to feel smooth travel. Sticky stanchions or oily residue mean it’s time for a service.
8. Saddle & bar alignment – Stand over the bike and eyeball straightness. A skewed cockpit can wreck your wrists on a long commute.
9. Roll 20 metres & listen – Coast, shift, and brake. Any grinding or clunks? Better to discover it on the driveway than at 50 km/h down Sailors Bay Road.

Pro tip: Log these checks in your phone. After a month they’ll be muscle memory—and your bike will feel brand‑new every ride.

If something feels off and you’d rather leave it to the pros, book a same‑day service at our Neutral Bay workshop. Book now →

4. Weekly Jobs You Can DIY

Keeping your ride silky‑smooth doesn’t mean stripping it to the frame every Sunday. A few small habits done weekly will keep 80 % of wear‑and‑tear at bay—and they take less time than queueing for a flat white.

4.1 Clean & Lube Your Chain

1. Wipe First, Wash Later – Run the chain backwards while holding a clean rag around the links. This lifts surface grit before you add any liquids.
2. Degrease (If Gunky) – Spray a bike‑safe degreaser onto the lower span of chain and jockey wheels. Spin for 30 seconds, then rinse with a fresh rag.
3. Apply Lube Sparingly – One drop per roller is plenty. Hold the bottle over the cassette, back‑pedal 3–4 revolutions, then wipe off excess. Excess oil = dust magnet.
4. Check for Stretch – Use a 0.5 % chain wear tool. If it drops all the way through, book a chain‑and‑cassette combo before the next big ride.

💡 Product Plug: We stock Morgan Blue Dry Lube and Morgan Blue Dry Wax Lube in‑store—ask Brad which suits Sydney’s humidity.

4.2 Dial‑In Tyre Pressure

Bike Type	Rider Weight (kg)	PSI Range (​Clincher)
Road	60–75	80–95
Road	75–90	90–105
Gravel	Any	35–50
MTB (Tubeless)	Any	22–28 (Trail)

• Gauge, don’t guess: Hand‑squeeze checks are fine before coffee runs, but a digital gauge keeps you honest.
• Check sidewalls: Look for tiny cracks—UV and Aussie heat age rubber fast.
• Top up sealant (tubeless): 2–3 (about 70ml)  oz every three months keeps punctures at bay.

4.3 Feel the Brakes

• Lever Pull: A healthy lever stops 2–3 cm from the bar. Further travel? Time to adjust cables or bleed.
• Pad Peek: Shine a light—if pads are thinner than a 20‑cent coin, replace.
• Rotor Rub: Spin the wheel. A ting‑ting sound means a slight warp; true it with a rotor‑truing fork or let us handle it during your next Same‑Day Tune‑Up.

4.4 Quick Bolt Check

• Focus on stem faceplate, seatpost collar, and thru‑axles.
• Use a preset torque key (we like 5 Nm for cockpit bolts). Tight = safe. Over‑tight = cracked carbon.

4.5 Wrap‑Up & Next Steps

Log these tasks in your phone’s calendar. Consistency beats intensity—stick to weekly micro‑maintenance and your drivetrain, tyres, and brake pads will last seasons longer.

Still short on time? Drop your bike at Brad’s Friday arvo and pick it up Monday morning, freshly cleaned and dialled. Book a Weekend Service →

5. Monthly TLC for Every Bike

Think of monthly maintenance as the deep clean for your two‑wheeled mate. These tasks dive past the surface grime and catch wear before it becomes wallet‑burning damage. Set aside half an hour, grab a coffee, and work through the list.

5.1 Inspect Brake Pads & Rotors

• Pad thickness: If the friction material is thinner than a 20‑cent coin (~1.6 mm), replace.
• Rotor gauge: Measure with callipers. Below 1.5 mm? Time for new discs.
• Alignment check: Spin the wheel; any hiss points to rotor rub. Minor tweak with a truing fork, or book our Same‑Day Brake Service.

5.2 Check Shift Accuracy & Cables

• Shift through every gear under a light load.
• Look for frayed cable ends or sluggish return—signs the inner wire’s corroding.
• A drop of PTFE lube into the housing can revive feel; if that fails, cable‑and‑housing kits are cheap insurance.

5.3 Give Your Wheels the “True Test”

• Elevate the bike and spin each wheel.
• A visible wobble or rhythmic brake rub means spokes need tensioning. Slight hops? Use a spoke key; big deviations? Our wheel‑truing service uses a Park Tool stand for micrometre accuracy.

5.4 Torque the Touch‑Points

• Grab a preset 5 Nm key and snug cockpit bolts, seatpost clamp, bottle‑cage screws, and thru‑axles.
• Over‑tightening carbon is as bad as under‑tightening—stick to spec and listen for that audible click.

5.5 E‑Bike Extras

• Battery contacts: Wipe with alcohol and apply dielectric grease to stop corrosion.
• Firmware check: Connect to the Bosch/SRAM/Shimano app for updates.
• Motor mounts: Verify torque; Aussie potholes can shake things loose.
• Notice grinding noises or assist drop‑outs? Book an E‑Bike Service before it strands you on the North Shore.

Wrap‑Up & Next Moves

Log your checks in the maintenance schedule (download our free PDF in the sidebar). Anything suspect? Snap a photo, note the mileage, and either address it next weekend or hand it off to us. Remember—prevention costs coffee money, repair bills cost craft‑beer money. 😉

Ready for deeper dives like bearing overhauls or suspension servicing? Hit the Book a Pro Tune‑Up button and we’ll get your bike humming for the next 1,000 km.

6. Seasonal / Annual Service Intervals

Winter Riding Prep & Spring Event Readiness

Sydney’s winter is fairly mild, but the damp mornings and salty coastal air can wreak havoc on unprotected components. Plus, those crisp months are when many riders start laying base miles for spring’s big sportives. Keep momentum—and your wallet—intact by ticking off the checks below:

• Swap to all‑weather tyres or go 2–4 mm wider for extra grip and puncture protection on slick roads.
• Test your lights—USB seals, lumen output, and mount integrity—before the early‑dark commute surprises you.
• Rust‑spot cables & bolts: brown freckles on stainless inner cables or stem bolts mean it’s time to replace.
• Rinse & re‑lube after every wet ride to halt surface corrosion on chain and cassette.
• Fit mudguards (clip‑on or full‑length) to keep grit off your drivetrain and your kit.

Spring‑Event Tune‑Up (September)

Sydney’s event calendar kicks into gear—Spring Cycle, Bowral Classic, Around the Bay—so lock in a Pro Tune 2–3 weeks before your A‑ride:

1. Complete brake bleed & pad refresh to guarantee stopping power on long descents.
2. Torque‑check cockpit after any fit tweaks made during winter base miles.
3. Fresh tubeless sealant or brand‑new tubes/tyres so you’re not nursing a slow leak mid‑ride.
4. Firmware updates for e‑bikes, Di2, and SRAM AXS—new shifting maps often release pre‑season.
5. Pro Clean + Ceramic Lube add‑on: our mechanics hand‑polish the drivetrain and apply low‑friction wax so every watt counts on race day.

Quick‑Book CTA: Ready to smash your spring gran fondo? Hit the Book My Spring Tune‑Up button now—slots fill fast once the weather turns!

7. Road vs E‑Bike Maintenance Explained

Both machines roll on two wheels and share chains, cassettes, and brake pads—but that’s where the similarities end. Your carbon road bike is a feather‑light, human‑powered instrument; your e‑bike is a rolling laptop with a motor bolted in. Treating them the same is a recipe for either drained watts or a dead battery halfway up Spit Hill. Below we break down the key differences, what stays the same, and when you absolutely need a specialist.

Component / Task	Road Bike	E‑Bike	DIY‑Friendly?
Drivetrain Wear	Chain stretches every 2,000–3,000 km; cassette lasts 2–3 chains.	Torque‑loaded chains wear 30 % faster—check at 1,500 km.	✅ Road • ⚠️ E‑Bike (torque wrench recommended)
Brake Pads & Rotors	Resin pads common; heat build‑up moderate.	Heavier weight + higher speed = faster pad and rotor wear. Upgrade to sintered for longevity.	✅ Both
Firmware Updates	N/A	Critical—new maps improve efficiency & fix bugs. Check Bosch, Shimano Steps, or Mahle apps monthly.	⚠️ Only if confident with apps
Battery Health	N/A	Keep charge between 20 %–80 % when stored; avoid leaving fully topped up on hot days.	✅ (Follow manual)
Motor Mount Torque	N/A	Check frame interface bolts every 2,000 km; Aussie potholes loosen them.	⚠️ Torque key & Loctite
Weight‑Related Checks	Light frames = lower stress on wheel bearings.	Heavier bikes accelerate bearing wear; service headset & BB yearly.	⚠️ Press‑fit tools needed

The Shared Basics

• Chain Cleaning & Lubing: Same method, just a touch more lube on e‑bike chains to offset higher torque.
• Tyre Pressure: Keep within manufacturer range; e‑bikes often run wider tyres—lower PSI for comfort, but don’t go so low you pinch‑flat.
• Brake Feel: Both bikes benefit from monthly lever squeezes and visual pad checks. E‑bikes cook pads quicker on long descents—switch to sintered if you commute down Military Road daily.

E‑Bike‑Specific Must‑Dos

1. Firmware & Error Codes – Plug into your brand’s app or head unit monthly. Error codes early can save $800 motor swaps.
2. Contact Cleaning – Battery rails attract sweat and road salt. Wipe with isopropyl alcohol, dry, then add a dab of dielectric grease.
3. Battery Storage – Store indoors between 10 °C–25 °C. Extreme heat on a garage shelf shortens cell life.
4. Professional Diagnostics – We use Bosch & Shimano service software to pull health reports and log them for warranty.

📅 Pro Tip: Book an E‑Bike Annual Health Check—we’ll update firmware, run a battery capacity test, and issue a printable report for resale value.

When to Call the Pros

• Motor Noise or Power Drop‑Off: Grinding, knocking, or sudden loss of assist isn’t normal—get it checked before you strip gears.
• Firmware Update Failure: Bricked head unit? We can flash it in‑house.
• Drivetrain Hits 0.5 % Wear: E‑bike chains stretch fast—changing at the right point saves cassette and chainrings.

Still spinning purely on coffee? Hit the Road Bike Service page for a flat‑out performance tune‑up. https://www.bradsbikes.com.au/bike-service

8. Essential Tools & Supplies

Whether you wrench at home or just want to top up your on‑bike kit, these are the staples we rely on every day in the Brad’s Bikes workshop.

8.1 Cleaning & Lubrication Staples

• Finish Line Speed Degreaser – fast‑evaporating formula for drivetrain deep‑cleans.
• Finish Line Super Bike Wash – spray‑on, hose‑off cleaner safe for carbon, alloy, and disc brakes.
• Finish Line Ceramic Grease – nano‑platelets reduce friction in headset & bottom‑bracket bearings.
• Morgan Blue Race Oil & Extra Dry Lube – our go‑to chain lubes for Sydney’s changeable humidity.
• Isopropyl alcohol & shop rags – for rotor decontamination before pad swaps.

Grab any of these at the service counter or have them shipped nationwide via our webstore.

8.2 Workshop‑Grade Tools

Task	Brad’s Pick	Why We Love It
Everyday adjustments	Park Tool MTC‑25 Multi‑Tool	Fold‑out bits + Torx & chain tool; rides in every mechanic’s pocket.
Precision torque	Wera Hex‑Plus 2‑20 Nm Torque Wrench Set	Audible click & slip mechanism; protects lightweight carbon parts.
Cable cutting & crimping	Pedro’s Cable Cutter	Clean, square cuts and a built‑in end‑cap crimper.
Bearing & cassette work	Abbey Bike Tools Crombie/Whip & Hanger Gauge	Aerospace‑grade machining for perfect alignment and cassette swaps.
Wheel truing	Park Tool TS‑4.2 Truing Stand + DT tensiometer	Millimetre‑perfect wheel builds like the ones we race on weekends.

💡 Mechanic’s Tip: Investing in quality tools saves frustration and stripped bolts. A $40 quality Allen‑key set outlasts three $15 knock‑offs.

8.3 Starter Kit for Home Wrenches

1. Park Tool Home Mechanic Starter Kit (BK‑2) – the Swiss‑army knife of shop kits.
2. Morgan Blue Dry Lube, Dry Wax Lube, or Race Lube – choose the formula that best matches Sydney’s weather and your ride style.
3. Pedro’s Tyre Levers – still the gold standard for stubborn beads.
4. Wera 1/4″ Zyklop Ratchet + Bit‑Set – rapid‑spin head for tight spaces.

Pick these four and you can tackle 80 % of the jobs in this hub. Not sure where to start? Drop by the shop and we’ll walk you through your toolkit.

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9. DIY vs Pro – When to Hand It Over

Some jobs are quick wins with a multi‑tool. Others can snowball into four‑letter rants, stripped bolts, or a SRAM bleed kit turning the kitchen bench scarlet. Here’s how to spot that tipping point and decide whether to keep the wrench spinning—or pass it to Brad’s crew.

9.1 Cost‑Benefit Cheat‑Sheet

Job	DIY Outlay & Skill	Pro Service (Indicative)	When to Go Pro
Index rear derailleur	10 min, 4 mm Allen key, patience	$25 adjustment during Basic Tune	Cable/housing shot, hanger bent, or electronic shifting faults
Hydraulic brake bleed	$45 bleed kit + mineral/DOT fluid; 30 min mess‑potential	$60 per brake (inc. pads & fluid)	Lever still spongy after bleed; internal hoses; time‑poor before weekend race
Wheel truing	$120+ stand & spoke key, learning curve	$45 per wheel true	Lateral hop >2 mm; dented rim; carbon wheels
Bottom bracket swap	$90 press‑fit tool, experience aligning cups	$80–$120 inc. BB & anti‑seize	Creak persists; carbon shell; thread‑repair risk
E‑bike firmware update & diagnostics	Free brand app, USB cable; risk of bricking	$90 full system health check	Error codes, motor noise, warranty stamp needed

Rule of Thumb: If the tool cost > the labour quote—and you’ll use it less than twice a year—let a pro handle it.

9.2 ‘Check‑Engine’ Warning Signs

1. Persistent bottom‑bracket creak – Grease and torque didn’t silence it.
2. Hydraulic lever pulls to the bar – Air gap or seal failure; needs a vacuum bleed.
3. Chain skips under load – Could be worn cassette, bent hanger, or incorrect B‑tension.
4. Visible crack or paint fracture – Stop riding. We’ll ultrasound‑scan carbon and torque‑test alloy.
5. Wheel wobble >5 mm – Spokes may be loose or rim cracked

9.3 Time, Tools, and Peace of Mind

Your time has value. A Saturday lost wrestling a seized seatpost is a Sydney ferry ride and café brunch you could’ve enjoyed. Let us strip, clean, and anti‑seize it while you rack up brownie points at home.

Your warranty matters. Incorrect torque on a carbon rail voids frameset coverage. Brad’s calibrated Wera wrenches and Abbey alignment gauges keep warranties intact.

Your safety is non‑negotiable. A botched brake bleed or cracked steerer can end more than your season. We pressure‑test systems and double‑sign off every critical component before handing bikes back.

🎯 One‑Click Fix: Need it sorted yesterday? Book our Same‑Day Repair—drop by before 10 am, roll out by 5 pm.

Ready to wrench the easy stuff and leave the heavy lifting to us? Scroll on for our Video Tutorials Library or hit Book a Tune‑Up and ride stress‑free this weekend.

11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)