How to Tune Up a Mountain Bike

If you enjoy mountain biking, it is essential that you tune up your mountain bike to keep it in excellent working condition. Proper tuning and maintenance will give you many hours of safe, enjoyable mountain biking. If you are unable to do the work yourself, take it to a professional for a tune-up.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Ruler
• Screwdriver
• Citrus solvent
• Old toothbrush
• Chain lubricant
• Wrench
• Screwdriver
• General lubricant
• Grease
• Clean rags or towels

The Mountain Bike Chain and Chain Ring

1. Examine the bike chain for signs of wear and replace the chain if it's worn. If the chain is still in good condition, continue to Step Two.
2. Pull the chain tight and count 20 links, then use a ruler to measure the distance from pin to pin. If this measurement is 1/16 inch or more longer then 10 inches, replace the bike chain.
3. Clean the bike chain, if it was not replaced, with a citrus solvent and an old toothbrush, and then lubricate the chain.
4. Look for any bent teeth in the cogs and the chain ring. Use an adjustable wrench to straighten and realign any bent teeth.
5. Spin the cranks after you remove the chain and make sure there is not any rough movement or lateral play. Do this with the front derailer shifted to the smallest chain ring.

The Mountain Bike Wheels and Brakes

6. Apply the front brakes while rolling the bike forwards and backwards and put your hand around the spot where the fork and the headset meet. There should be no play at that spot. If you do feel play in that area, tighten the headset after loosening the stem bolts.
7. Remove front wheel and turn the handle bars from side to side to make sure that the steering motion does not bind.
8. Push the front wheel hard enough to make it spin two or three times in order to check the hubs. The wheel should spin freely.
9. Wiggle each wheel separately from side to side to make sure that there is not any lateral play.

General Mountain Bike Parts

10. Start at the front of the bike and tighten any bolts that have come loose. Walk completely around the bike to make sure that you don't miss any bolts. Check the water bottle cage, the crank arm and chain ring bolts.
11. Put a very light to coat of grease on the saddle rails.
12. Lubricate the front suspension fork sliders, and clean out any grit that may be lodged next to the seal using a clean towel or rag then reset the boot.
13. Check the bike's tires, pedals, handle grips, spare parts and tools for any signs of wear and replace anything that is needed.
14. Make any adjustments to the shifting and breaks that are necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• There is a tool on the market in bike and sports stores that measures the wear between the chain links.