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Bike Maintenance Checklist

Choose the checks you need, record what you find, and print a checklist for this ride or cleaning session.

Choose and check your bike

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The gray label is an example. Focus to replace it; leaving it empty shows the example again.

Add your own checks

Add up to 20 items for your bicycle or this ride. They are saved with the checklist.

Up to 80 characters.

Before a ride

Look for cuts, bulges and damage. Use a gauge and follow tire/rim limits and the bicycle maker’s guidance; a sidewall maximum is not a universal target.

While stationary, test each brake separately as you gently move the bike. Look for weak braking, damaged cables, leaks or unusual lever travel. Arrange service if operation is uncertain.

Check that both wheels are secure using the correct axle or quick-release procedure. Look for wobble, damage or loose spokes; do not guess tightening values.

Look for visible damage and unexpected movement. Loose steering, a slipping saddle or cracks need attention before riding; use the specified service procedure.

Look for dirt, rust, damaged links or poor movement. Keep fingers clear of moving parts. Skipping, binding or a damaged chain needs further inspection.

Check for unexpected looseness or damage. Have unexplained movement inspected rather than tightening by feel.

Check that lights work when needed and bags, guards and other accessories are secure and clear of the wheels. Follow local visibility requirements.

Only after the other checks reveal no unresolved safety concern, try the brakes and shifting slowly in a clear area. Stop if anything feels wrong.

Basic cleaning and care

Remove surface dirt with a cloth and suitable bike cleaner. Avoid forcing high-pressure water into bearings or other sensitive parts; follow the cleaner’s instructions.

For a chain drive, use a suitable bicycle chain lubricant when needed and follow its instructions. Wipe off excess and keep lubricant off brake pads, rotors and braking surfaces.

Add a fault or follow-up to remember. Up to 600 characters.

Your current checklist is saved in this browser. Clear removes its selections, check statuses and notes.

Print preview

The white pages show the checklist to print. Selections, statuses and notes update here as you edit.

Select at least one item above to make a printable checklist.

Print opens the browser dialog. Match the paper size above, use 100% scale and turn off browser headers and footers.

How to use this checklist

Start with the items relevant to this session. The first eight cover a general check before riding; the final two cover simple cleaning and chain care. Include selects what appears on your sheet. It is separate from Check status, which records what you found. Add up to 20 items for your bicycle or this ride. They are saved with the checklist. The white pages show the checklist to print. Selections, statuses and notes update here as you edit.

Choose Checked only after inspecting that item. Choose Needs attention when a problem remains, and use Notes for a useful next action. Leaving a row as Not checked is a valid unfinished state. Excluding it does not mean it passed.

What the statuses mean

Checked means you have performed the observation, not that this page has diagnosed the bike. Needs attention keeps a concern visible in the printed sheet. For example, select Tires and pressure, choose Needs attention, and write “Ask the shop about the sidewall cut.” The same item, status and note appear in the output.

If steering, wheel attachment or brakes seem faulty, do not use a short test ride to prove they are safe. Resolve the fault or get help from a qualified bicycle mechanic first. A full checklist is still not a professional inspection.

Pressure, torque and service intervals

Tires, rims, brakes and fastening systems differ. Follow the applicable component and bicycle instructions; the lowest applicable pressure limit must not be exceeded. There is no single pressure, bolt torque or replacement interval appropriate to every bike.

This checklist covers general observations. It does not guide hydraulic bleeding, electrical repairs, bearing work, suspension service or structural repairs. Belt drives and enclosed components require their own manufacturer guidance.

Keep or print this session

Selections, observations and your own text are stored on this browser and device when storage is available. There is no account, synchronization, service history or reminder. Changing the language keeps the same item IDs and your own words.

Clear empties the selected sheet and actual notes. A faint sample label can reappear, but it is never saved as your text. Select an item again to start a new sheet. Print uses the current output, including unresolved items; it does not mark anything as checked.

Why is there no “safe to ride” score?

A count of checks cannot establish mechanical safety. A single brake or wheel problem may matter more than every other completed item. Use the status list to remember observations and follow-up work.

How often should I clean or replace parts?

Use condition, riding environment and the component instructions. Wet or dirty use can change care needs. This page deliberately avoids a universal calendar or mileage-based replacement rule.

References