Bike Maintenance Schedule: Weekly, Monthly and Yearly Checklist

Q: How often should I check my bike's tyre pressure?

Weekly, or before any ride longer than a quick errand. Tyres lose pressure gradually even with no puncture, and correct pressure affects both rolling efficiency and your risk of pinch flats on rough roads.

Q: How often should I lubricate my bike chain?

Roughly every 150-200km of riding, or monthly for casual riders, and always after riding in the rain, which washes lubricant off quickly. A dry, squeaking chain wears itself and your gears out far faster than a properly lubricated one.

Q: What maintenance needs a bike shop rather than DIY?

Hydraulic brake bleeding, wheel truing, and headset or bottom bracket bearing service are the jobs most home mechanics are better off leaving to a shop unless they already have the specific tools and experience. Chain lubrication, tyre pressure and basic cleaning are safe and easy to do yourself.

Q: How often should a bike get a full professional service?

Once a year for a casually ridden bike, or every 3,000-5,000km for a bike ridden more seriously and frequently. A full service catches wear in brakes, cables, and bearings well before it becomes a safety issue or an expensive repair.

September 25, 2026

Bike Maintenance Schedule: Weekly, Monthly and Yearly Checklist

Quick answer: Check tyre pressure and give the bike a quick look-over weekly, lubricate the chain roughly every 150-200km or monthly, and check brake pads, cables and bolts monthly. Book a full professional service yearly, or every 3,000-5,000km if you ride often. Small, regular checks are far cheaper than the repairs that come from skipping them.

Bike maintenance doesn't need to be complicated, but it does need to be regular. Here's a simple rhythm that catches small problems before they become expensive ones.

Weekly (or Before Any Longer Ride)

Check tyre pressure — tyres lose air gradually even without a puncture
Squeeze both brakes and confirm they engage firmly, not spongy or delayed
Spin each wheel and check it runs true without an obvious wobble
Quick visual check for anything loose — bottle cage, lights, mudguards

Monthly

Clean and lubricate the chain, especially after any wet-weather rides
Check brake pad wear and cable tension
Check all bolts — stem, seatpost, pedals — are still torqued to feel, not loose
Wipe down the frame and check for any new scratches, dents or cracks worth investigating

Bike Chain Lubricant — Teflon Formula$16.00

ROCKBROS 16-in-1 Multi-Tool Kit$28.00

Hydraulic Brake Bleed Kit — Mineral Oil$18.00

Yearly (or Every 3,000-5,000km)

Book a full professional service — bearing checks, cable replacement, gear tuning
Replace brake pads if they're near their wear line
Check tyres for cracking, cuts or worn tread and replace if needed
Consider a hydraulic brake bleed if levers feel soft or inconsistent

What to DIY vs What to Leave to a Shop

Chain lubrication, tyre pressure checks and basic cleaning are safe, easy, and worth doing yourself regularly. Hydraulic brake bleeding, wheel truing and bearing service are jobs better left to a shop unless you already have the specific tools and experience — getting these wrong can affect safety, not just performance.