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PART 2
Basics of a Good Maintenance Schedule
Section E. Maintenance
GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual
AFTER EVERY LONG OR HARD RIDE OR AFTER EVERY 10 TO 20 HOURS OF RIDING:
• Squeeze the front brake and rock the bike forward and back. Everything feel solid? If you feel a
clunk with each forward or backward movement of the bike, you probably have a loose headset.
Have a professional bicycle mechanic check it.
• Lift the front wheel off the ground and swing it from side to side. Feel smooth? If you feel any
binding or roughness in the steering, you may have a tight headset. Have a professional bicycle
mechanic check it.
• Grab one pedal and rock it toward and away from the center line of the bike; then do the same
with the other pedal. Anything feel loose? If so, have a professional bicycle mechanic check it.
• Take a look at the brake pads. Starting to look worn or not hitting the wheel rim squarely? Time
to have a professional bicycle mechanic adjust or replace them.
• Carefully check the control cables and cable housings. Any rust? Kinks? Fraying? If so, have a
professional bicycle mechanic replace them.
• Squeeze each adjoining pair of spokes on either side of each wheel between your thumb and
index finger. Do they all feel about the same? If any feel loose, have a professional bicycle
mechanic check the wheel for tension and trueness.
• Check the tires for excess wear, cuts or bruises. Have a professional bicycle mechanic replace
them if necessary.
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