Maintenance is key to making your bikes go the distance. Investing a little of your time on a regular basis will help prevent costly breakdowns and give your customers a smooth, safe ride. Here’s a basic checklist of the main things you should look for when giving your bikes some TLC.
1. Tyres
Keeping the air pressure just right can prevent punctures, give better traction, and offer a more comfortable ride. Check your tyre pressure after each outing, and while you’re at it, have a look for any wear and tear.
2. Brake
Make sure your brakes are fully engaged and working. Give them a good squeeze to check that the pads touch the rims, not the tyres. If the pads look worn or the brake cables frayed, get them replaced as soon as possible to ensure customer health and safety.
3. Chain
For a smoother gear shift and no squeaks, clean and lubricate the chain every once in a while. This can prevent rust and extend the life of your drivetrain, saving you money in the long run. The more often your bikes go out on wet, muddy rides, the more often this will need doing.
4. Gears
Derailleurs will naturally adjust over time, and this can stop your chain from moving correctly. Keeping the chain clean can help, but if moving it to the larger cogs is a challenge, then you need to tighten the cable. If it’s harder to move to the smaller ones, then loosen it. This will keep gear changes as smooth as day one.
5. Tighten Up
Check your bike for any looseness, paying close attention to the pedals, steering and saddle. A loose headset not only makes for a sloppy ride, but it can also cause serious damage to the frame. If the pedals do need tightening, then be careful—too tight and you could damage the fasteners, too loose and they could slip off while riding.
6. Keep Things Clean
Wipe down your bikes straight after each ride. This is the most effective way to stay on top of any maintenance and prolong their life on the road. You can inspect the frames at the same time, and by keeping them clean, you can quickly spot any damage.
Helping Your Bikes Last Longer
yoyo’s bike rental management software features a handy maintenance log. When you register your bikes, you can enter the date they were last serviced and when the next service is due. Then when the time comes, we’ll give you a reminder to help you keep track and stay on top.
We’re currently offering bike rental managers a free trial, so why not give us a try and get your fleet ready to take on the new year.