# What bike maintenance can you do yourself? Canonical: https://zestasy.com/wiki/basic-bike-maintenance/ Section: Zestasy Wiki > Movement · Updated: 2026-10-14 · Publisher: Zestasy *Zestasy Wiki: our reference answers. Checked for facts and sources; less curated than the magazine.* More than you might think: cleaning and oiling the chain, pumping tyres to the right pressure, checking brakes, looking over tyres for damage and making sure wheels and bolts are secure are all easy home jobs with a few basic tools. Leave anything to do with brake bleeding, wheel truing, bearings or anything you are unsure about to a bike mechanic, and book a regular service. A well-kept bike is quieter, smoother and nicer to ride, and most of what keeps it that way takes minutes, not a workshop. You do not need to become the sort of person who owns a stand and a torque wrench. A pump, a rag, some chain oil and the habit of looking at your bike now and then will get you a long way. ## The basic kit - **A track pump** with a pressure gauge, for home. A small hand pump for rides. - **Chain lubricant**, suited to the conditions you ride in. Shops sell versions for dry and wet weather. - **Rags**, a lot of them, and an old toothbrush. - **A multi-tool** with the common Allen keys. - **Tyre levers and a spare inner tube or patch kit.** Our guide to [fixing a puncture](https://zestasy.com/wiki/fixing-a-puncture/) covers the roadside version. ## The quick check before a ride Get into the habit of a thirty-second check, especially before longer rides: - **Tyres.** Squeeze them. Do they feel firm? Look for cuts, glass or bald patches. - **Brakes.** Squeeze each lever. They should bite firmly before the lever reaches the handlebar. - **Wheels.** Check the quick-release levers or axle nuts are tight, and lift each end of the bike and spin the wheel to see it turns freely without rubbing. - **Bounce.** Lift the bike a few centimetres and drop it. Listen for rattles that should not be there. ## Tyre pressure Tyres lose air slowly over time, even without a puncture. Soft tyres feel sluggish and are more prone to pinch punctures; overinflated ones feel harsh. The recommended range is usually printed on the side of the tyre. Check pressure with a gauge every week or two and top up as needed. Lighter riders and wet or rough roads often suit the lower end of the range; experiment within it to find what feels good. ## Chain care A clean, lightly oiled chain makes the whole bike feel newer. 1. **Wipe it.** Hold a rag around the chain and turn the pedals backwards to pull it through. 2. **Clean it when grimy.** A degreaser and an old toothbrush, or a cheap chain-cleaning gadget, shift the black paste. Rinse and dry. 3. **Oil it.** One small drop on each link, on the inside of the chain, while turning the pedals backwards. 4. **Wipe off the excess.** Oil on the outside only collects dirt. Do it after wet rides and every few weeks otherwise. If the chain squeaks, it is asking. ## Brakes For rim brakes, look at the pads: if the grooves have worn away, replace them. Make sure the pads meet the rim, not the tyre. For disc brakes, keep oil and cleaning sprays well away from the discs and pads. If the brakes feel spongy, weak or noisy in a new way, see a mechanic. ## Keep it clean A wash with warm soapy water and a soft brush after muddy rides keeps grit away from moving parts. Avoid blasting bearings with a pressure washer. Dry the bike, then oil the chain. ## When to see a mechanic Some jobs need specialist tools or experience, and brakes in particular are not where to learn by trial and error. Book a professional for: - Hydraulic brake bleeding or anything you are unsure about on brakes. - Wheels that wobble (truing), broken spokes. - Creaks, grinding or play in bearings: headset, bottom bracket, hubs. - Gears that still skip after a basic adjustment. - A regular service, perhaps once or twice a year depending on how much you ride. A good local bike shop is worth befriending. Ask them to show you the simple adjustments on your own bike. ## FAQ ### How often should I oil my chain? Whenever it looks dry or squeaks, after riding in the rain, and every few weeks otherwise. Little and often beats a big soaking. ### Can I adjust my own gears? Small adjustments with the barrel adjuster near the gear lever or derailleur are a good thing to learn from a video or a mechanic. If the problem persists, take it in. ### What is the most important thing to check? Brakes and tyres. They are what keep you in control and on the road, so check them before every ride. ### Do e-bikes need different maintenance? The bike parts need the same care. The motor and battery should follow the manufacturer's instructions, and electrical work is best left to a specialist shop. ## Related - [How do you repair a puncture at the roadside?](https://zestasy.com/wiki/fixing-a-puncture/) - [How do you use bike gears properly?](https://zestasy.com/wiki/using-bike-gears/) - [How do you start cycling to work?](https://zestasy.com/movement/start-cycling-to-work/) - [What kind of bike is best for getting around town?](https://zestasy.com/wiki/city-bike/) - [How do you lock a bike so it doesn't get stolen?](https://zestasy.com/wiki/locking-a-bike/) - [All Movement answers in the Wiki](https://zestasy.com/wiki/#movement)