The Only Bicycle Tune-Up Guide You’ll Ever Need (Complete Walkthrough), by BikeFarmer on YouTube. 32 min 38 s.
- Video length
- 32 min 38 s
- Time to do it
- 90 minutes
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Clear a work area and mount the bike in a stand or turn it upside down on a soft surface. Check the frame, tires and cables for cracks, fraying or damage before you start.
Disconnect the V-brakes by squeezing the brake arms together and unhooking the cable noodle from the holder. This gives the wheel room to come out past the pads.
Open the quick-release levers and lift the wheels out. Keep the skewers, springs and any spacers in order so they go back the same way.
Clean the chain and gears with a rag and degreaser. Apply chain lube to the inside of the chain while turning the pedals, then wipe off the excess.
Inspect the brake pads and replace any that are worn past the wear line or coated in oil. Refit the wheels and close the quick-release levers firmly.
Spin each wheel and watch the rim next to the brake pads. If the rim wobbles, turn the nearby spoke nipple a quarter turn at a time to bring it straight.
Set the brake pads so they meet the rim squarely with about 1 to 2 mm of gap on each side. Check the cable tension and adjust the barrel adjuster if the lever feels loose.
Lube the brake and gear cables, then set the derailleur limit screws. Adjust the cable tension so the chain moves cleanly onto each gear without rubbing.
Check tire pressure, tighten any loose bolts and bounce the bike to settle the wheels. Test the brakes and gears in a safe area before a normal ride.
Tips and common mistakes
Do not overtighten bolts, especially on the frame and stem, because alloy threads strip easily.
Replace frayed cables rather than lubing them, since a sticky cable will keep spoiling your gear shifts.
Spin the wheels after refitting them to confirm the quick-release levers are fully closed and the wheel is seated straight.
Test the brakes at walking pace before you ride on the road.
Questions
How often should I do a full tune-up?
A full check about once a year suits most riders, with a quick clean and chain lube every few rides. Do it sooner if gears skip, brakes feel soft or the bike has been stored for a long time.
Can I tune a bike without a repair stand?
Yes. Turn the bike upside down on a rug or hang it from a sturdy hook so the wheels spin freely. A stand makes wheel and brake adjustments easier but is not essential.
Why do my gears still skip after adjustment?
A bent derailleur hanger, worn chain or sticky cable is the usual cause. Check the hanger is straight and the cable moves freely before you adjust the limit screws again.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
