End of Summer Bike Maintenance: What to Check Before Fall Hits

August is sneaky. One day you're cruising in a t-shirt with a cold brew in your bottle cage, and the next you’re digging out gloves and wondering where your daylight went.

This time of year is prime riding weather in La Crosse—but it’s also when bikes start to show what summer’s put them through. At Wrench & Roll, we call it “the season of slow wear.” Stuff starts shifting weird, tires lose grip, and you can’t quite tell if that squeak was always there.

Here’s what we recommend checking before summer fades and your ride becomes a fall project.

Preparation is important

1. Chain Check: Clean It, Lube It, or Replace It

Long rides. Dusty trails. A few downpours. If your chain’s looking gray or feeling dry, it’s time for some attention.

• Clean it with a rag and a degreaser

• Re-lube with weather-appropriate oil (wet or dry)

• Spin and listen—clicking or skipping may mean it's time for a new one

We’ll check chain wear for you in about 30 seconds if you bring it in. Or browse our shop gear page for lubes and cleaners we use ourselves.

2. Brake Pads Have a Season Too

Heat and grit are tough on brake pads—especially if you’ve been riding through the marsh or bluff trails.

What to look for:

• Pads that are worn thin or uneven

• Levers that pull in too far before engaging

• Any kind of squeal that wasn’t there in June

We do brake checks and quick replacements if you’re not sure what you’re seeing—or hearing.

3. Tires Are Talking (Listen Closely)

August is when we start to see more flats, tread wear, and sidewall cracks. If your tires feel soft a lot or have lost their grip on loose paths, it might be time to swap them out.

Check for:

• Cracks in the rubber

• Worn-out tread (especially in the center)

• Sidewall damage or slow leaks

We can help you pick something grippy enough for early fall without going full winter mode. Need to keep riding while yours get replaced? Grab a rental and keep moving.

4. Cables and Shifting: Summer Takes Its Toll

Sweat, dirt, and heat all work their way into your shifters and cables. If your gears are clicking, ghost-shifting, or lagging, your cable tension or housing might be the culprit.

A full drivetrain clean and adjustment now saves you from frustration later—especially once gloves and cool air are back in the mix.

We can do it as part of a late-season tune. Just book a visit.

5. Think Ahead: Fall-Proof While You’re At It

If your tires or pads are worn now, they’re not going to magically improve by October. August is the perfect time to upgrade or prep—while the weather’s still solid and the trails are dry.

Need lights, warmer layers, or a fender setup for wet mornings? We’ve got what works around here, and we’re always happy to walk you through the options.

Ride Now, Ride Later

A few quick checks in August can keep your bike rolling smooth through the end of the season—and into the next one. No big repairs. No stress. Just smart riding.

Swing by the shop if you want us to give your ride a once-over, or book a quick service before fall catches you off guard.