Bicycle Repair Schedule

My car came with an idiot light that tells me when to change the oil.  It also tells me to change filters, belts and other fluids.  There is a chart in the owner's manual with a recommended maintenance schedule.

What about a bicycle?  Becoming a full time bike commuter means putting lots of miles on the pedals.  And the mechanics of the pedal machine are a lot finer than that of a car.  Parts wear out, oil needs to be changes, and things need to be replaced.

I compiled a sample bicycle repair schedule for a regular bicycle commuter. Each bicycle, terrain, and rider is different, resulting in different maintenance schedules.  This sample is designed to help you develop your own routine. Linked at the bottom are several excellent sources to explore the topic further.  

Learning to do basic repairs yourself can save you a lot of money, and can help you ensure the safety of you bike.  The Washington Area Bicycle Association, Bike Arlington, and many of the local bicycle shops offer classes in basic bike mechanics.  Another option is to take advantage of the local bicycle coops like Velocity in Del Ray or the Mt. Rainer Bicycle Coop, which let you use there tools and equipment for a small fee.  Online websites and videos are excellent resources for instructions on how to do repairs. For advanced repairs, like the annual check up, that might be a good opportunity visit your favorite local bike shop.

Bicycle Maintenance Schedule

Item	#	Cycle	Comment
Check tire pressure, brakes, wheels, spokes, overall operation.	1	Every trip	Recommended air pressure should be on the sidewall of the tire. Squeeze brakes checking for proper stopping ability.
Adjust seat height; brakes	2	As needed	A properly adjusted seat is important for fit and will reduce stress on your knees. As brakes wear, you should be able to adjust the cable in order to maintain good braking.
Inspect frame, wheels, spokes, cables, quick release; check for loose parts (racks, water bottle cages); check lights	2	Every two weeks	Check for damage or cracks; tighten screws; ensure that wheels, pedals, or handlebar is not loose. Replace light batteries.
Clean and lube chain; check chain for wear. Lube moving parts, brakes, derailers, cables, pedals.	2	Every two weeks	More often if you are riding in a dirtier environment. Keep a rag by your bicycle parking and wipe off chain.
Clean frame	2	Every two weeks	Clean frame and apply a light wax like Turtle wax or Pledge (be sure not to wax what you have just lubed)
Replace chain	3	Every 2000 Miles	Chains stretch, and when they stretch they can damage your cogs. An easy chain-measuring tool will show you if the chain needs to be replaced.
Align derailers	4	Annually
Regrease parts (seat post, pedals, water bottle screws)	4	Annually	Take off, clean, lube, replace.
Rewrap handlebar tape	4	Annually
Replace cable and housing	4	Annually	Cable housing can get gunk in it, making it hard to shift
Overhaul bottom bracket, wheel bearings, headset	4	Annually	Take apart, clean, repair, regrease, put back together
True wheels	4	As Needed
Replace Brakes pads	4	As needed
Replace tires and tubes	5	As needed	Will vary depending on type of tire and usage. Replace when worn out, showing signs of age, or damaged. When I replace a tire, I will replace the tube and check the rim tape.
Replace chain & cassette	5	Every two years	Some people say replace the cassette every time you replace the chain; others say if you are good about replacing the chain, you can get more out of your cassette.
Replace helmet	6	As needed	If damaged or cracked, but helmets are made of foam that does not age or dry out; if it looks in good condition, it should be good. BHSI

References: Mike Munk, Road Bike Maintenance Schedule; Bicycle Repair Schedule, Bicycles: Maintenance and Repair, WikiBooks; Tips from a pro mechanic # 4 - Bike maintenance schedule, PeopleforBikes; Chris Daigle, Planning Your Bicycle Maintenance Schedule, Seattle Bicycle Club; Maintain Bike Maintenance Schedule, Alameda Bicycle.