Check your bike regularly
Or have your bike dealer do it for you. When wear parts are replaced promptly, your bike will serve you well and give you pleasure for many years to come. Shimano advises to service your bike at least once a year to ensure your bike feels as meant to be. Your local dealer is here to help.
It's also smart to be attentive to small problems with your bike. The moment you discover a problem, it is best to fix it right away. Often times, the longer you wait with maintenance of these small problems, the worse they become.
Not sure if you need to replace parts?
MTB tips
Tip #1 Cleaning
Cleaning your bike after each ride is an important part of maintenance. After a muddy ride in particular, it is best not to wait too long to do it. Be sure to remove dirt and grime between the links of your chain.
Tip #2 Check your brake pads
Brake pads: check for wear and proper adjustment. Thoroughly clean the brake pads as well as the braking surface of the rims. This will extend the life of them both. Always use Shimano brake cartridges to maintain the power and durability of your Shimano braking system.
Tip #3 Check your nuts and bolts
Periodically control the tightness of your nuts and bolts. If they rust, you should replace them. Lubricate them regularly with Shimano lubricants to prevent corrosion. Or you can use stainless steel nuts and bolts.
Tip #4 Check your chain, cassette and chainrings
Make sure the chain is properly tensioned and check if the cassette and/or chainrings need to be replaced. Don’t forget to check your cables for wear and replace if necessary.
ROAD Tips
Tip #1 Check your brake pads
Take a close look at your brake pads to check for wear and proper adjustment. Thoroughly clean the brake pads as well as the braking surface of the rims. This will extend the life of them both. Always use Shimano brake pads to ensure top braking performance and to maintain the safety of your Shimano braking system.
Tip #2 Brake adjustment
Set the front and rear brake to match the strength of your arms. If your right arm is stronger, then set the rear brake on the right side of the bike. Left arm would then control the front brake. The advantage to this is that when you have to stop suddenly, you will hit the rear brake with the most power. This will prevent you from flying over your handlebars.
Tip #3 Regular maintenance
If your bike needs maintenance, do not wait too long. Often times, the longer you wait, the worse the problem becomes. Be sure to use the correct maintenance tools if you work on your own bike. The tools are just as important as the components themselves. Our specially-formulated Shimano degreaser gets the bike properly clean. It is also useful for hard to reach places on the bike.
Tip #4 A clean chain is key
After every two or three rides, we recommend that you wipe the chain off with a rag. Be sure not to rub the dirt between the links. Do not lubricate the cassette since oil attracts dirt.