5 Weekly Bike Checks That Prevent Big Problems

Most major bike problems don’t come out of nowhere. They start small—a squeak here, a wobble there—and build until you’re stranded mid-ride or stuck with an expensive repair bill. The good news? A five-minute weekly routine can catch most issues early.

Here’s a bike maintenance checklist that every La Crosse rider can handle at home, no shop tools required.

1. Squeeze the Brakes

Your brakes should feel firm and stop the wheel without much lever pull. If the lever nearly hits the handlebar before engaging, your cables may be stretched or your pads worn.

• Quick fix: Turn the barrel adjuster at the lever to tighten the cable.

• Check pad thickness: Rim pads have wear lines; disc pads should have at least 1–2 mm of material left.

If you’re not sure, we’ll handle a brake adjustment or replacement in minutes.

2. Spin the Wheels

Lift your bike and give each wheel a spin. They should move freely and stay straight.

• Wobble side to side? Could be a loose spoke or bent rim.

• Drag on the brakes? Pads or rotors may be misaligned.

Small wobbles can be fixed with a quick true-up in the shop, preventing bigger (and more expensive) wheel issues later.

3. Check Tire Pressure

Under-inflated tires cause most of the flats we see in La Crosse. They also make riding slower and harder.

• Road bikes: 80–100 psi

• Hybrids: 50–70 psi

• Mountain/fat bikes: 20–40 psi

Keep a floor pump at home and top off weekly. Not sure what pressure you need? It’s printed on the tire sidewall—or ask us when you’re in.

4. Wipe and Lube the Chain

A dry chain wears out fast, makes ugly noises, and eventually kills your cassette.

• Wipe with a rag to remove grit.

• Apply bike-specific lube—one drop per link.

• Wipe off excess to avoid a greasy mess.

If your chain skips even after lubing, it might be stretched. We can measure it in seconds and replace it if needed.

5. Do the Bounce Test

Pick up your bike a few inches and drop it gently on the tires. Listen for rattles, clunks, or creaks.

• Loose bolts on racks, stems, or seatposts are common culprits.

• A multi-tool in your saddle bag is enough to fix most of them on the spot.

Why This Matters in La Crosse

Between steep bluff climbs, gravel coulees, and daily commuting, bikes here take a beating. A quick weekly check saves you from breakdowns on the trail and keeps small issues from turning into costly repairs.

Bring your bike to Wrench & Roll Bikes in La Crosse for a seasonal tune-up. We’ll catch what your checklist misses and keep you riding confidently on Driftless trails, campus routes, and city streets.