5 Weekly Bike Checks You Can Do at Home (That Actually Make a Difference)

Let’s be honest, most of us don’t want to overhaul our drivetrain or mess with derailleur alignment every weekend. But if you ride regularly in La Crosse, a few quick checks can catch problems early before they turn into expensive repairs or “walk-it-home” situations.

At Wrench & Roll, we’re big believers in simple habits. If you’ve got five minutes and a little curiosity, here’s a short checklist you can run through once a week to keep your ride dialed in.

No bike stand required. Just a little space, a pump, and maybe a rag.

1. Squeeze Your Brakes

Before every ride, give both levers a squeeze. They should feel firm—not spongy—and stop the wheels without a long delay.

Check for:

• Excess lever travel (pulling almost to the bar = not great)

• Brake pads that look thin or uneven

• Any dragging or squeaking

If things feel off or sound worse than usual, we offer quick brake checks and pad replacements.

2. Spin the Wheels and Look for Wobble

Lift the front and rear wheels and give them a spin. They should rotate smoothly, with no side-to-side wobble.

Wobble means:

• A possible loose spoke

• A slightly bent rim

• Or your wheel just needs a true-up

We’ve got the tools in-store to get your wheels spinning right again—and we’re happy to show you how to check them in person. Just drop by.

3. Press the Tires

No pressure gauge? No problem. Just press with your thumb. If the tire feels soft or squishy, it probably needs air.

Low pressure =

• More flats

• Slower rolling

• Less control on gravel or corners

Need a reliable floor pump or travel-friendly gauge? Check our sales page. We carry what we use ourselves.

4. Wipe and Lube the Chain (Just a Little)

A dry, crunchy chain is a slow, squeaky chain. Grab a rag, wipe off the grime, and apply a few drops of lube. Then wipe again to remove the extra.

Don’t overthink it. Once a week is plenty if you’re riding in dry conditions. More if it’s rainy, dusty, or you’re logging lots of miles.

Want to learn how to clean a chain like we do it in the shop? Check out our DIY chain guide or swing in and ask.

5. Give It a Bounce and Listen

Lift your bike a few inches off the ground and let it bounce on the tires. Strange noises = something’s loose.

Use your multi-tool to check:

• Stem bolts

• Saddle clamp

• Rack and fender mounts

Still hearing mystery creaks or clunks? Bring it in. We’ll track it down, fix it fast, and explain what was going on.

Don’t Wait for Weird Noises to Start

Weekly bike checks don’t have to be complicated. Five minutes now can save you a ride later. And if you’re not sure what “normal” feels like yet, we’ll show you. This is exactly what we do every day at the shop.

Want a hands-on demo? Come see us. We’ll talk tools, walk you through the basics, or help build your own home repair kit.