Tips & resources

Bike preparation

You don’t want annoying mechanical issues holding you back or slowing you down on the bike, so here are a few tips to get started.

The M Check

The M Check

Before you ride

Bikes in regular use need a service every year to replace worn out parts. Bikes that haven’t been ridden for ages need a service to replace rusted parts and perished tyres.

The ‘M’ Check is an easy bike safety check you can do at home before your ride – without being an expert.

The 'ABC Quick Check'

This stands for:

A = Air

B = Brakes

C = Chain, crankset and cassette

Quick = Quick release axles 

Check = Test ride

Our good mate Troy from Pedal Power Garage explains each step in this short video.

We've got your back

Bicycle Network membership

Become a Bicycle Network member today and be part of Australia's biggest bike-riding organisation. We're fighting to improve bike riding conditions, build more facilities and create fairer legislation for bike riders. You can help us make it easier for everyone to ride every day.

Learn more

Getting a bike service

A bike service doesn’t generally include cleaning your bike, but it should include a careful look over the whole bike for cracks in the frame or any safety issues.

A service should check and fix any problems with:
  • brakes
  • gears, 
  • wheels and tyres, 
  • headset and crank bearings,
  • suspension (if you have it),
  • loose accessories, like luggage rack, kickstand, basket, etc. 

We recommend you ask for a quote for the service beforehand—the mechanic should be able to tell what needs to be replaced after a quick scan over the bike—and also ask the mechanic to call you before replacing any parts in addition to the ones agree in the quote. Expect to pay at least $80, which doesn’t include the price of any parts that need replacing.

So do yourself a favour and get your bike serviced. You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes to have everything running smoothly.

 

Bike service