We were honored when James from Pro Gravel Magazine in Germany inquired about collaborating on a short article about gravel bike maintenance. Naturally we agreed and had a nice exchange about the key aspects of gravel bike maintenance. Knowing how to maintain a gravel bike is important and we support James's efforts to share some information!

Here is an excerpt of that conversation.

What are the essential tools for every home workshop?

First and most important, some type of a bike repair stand. It’s really frustrating and difficult to work on a bike that’s simply leaned against a wall or propped upside down on the floor. A proper bike repair stand allows you to spin the wheels, turn the cranks, and access all parts of the bicycle without a risk of it tipping over.

[Here at Feedback Sports, we design tripod-style repair stands which are quite stable, easy to use, lightweight, and compact when folded.]

Next, a full set of Hex and Torx wrenches. These can be found in a variety of sizes and styles, including fixed 3-way, T-Handle, or basic sets of L-shaped wrenches. Nearly every fastener on a bicycle is some form of a hex head bolt, so no matter your preference for style, these are essential.

As bicycles have become more lightweight and specialized, many fasteners specify a maximum torque when tightening. Therefore we suggest a torque wrench. Again there are many types, but this tool will help you ensure proper bolt tightness without damaging sensitive carbon fiber parts.

Tire levers are helpful for installing and removing tires. This is probably the most frequent service procedure on any bicycle, so a good set of them will make your live easier for sure.

Some basic shop tools like screwdrivers and needle nose pliers are always handy. Depending on your bike and the type of components it’s assembled with, you may or may not need these very often.

Finally, depending on how deeply into bike service you want to go, some drive train tools like a chain tool, cassette lockring tool, and cassette removal tool will help you remove and install drivetrain parts. The bike chain in particular, plus eventually the cassette cogs and chainrings wear over time and need replacement. The ability to remove and install a bike chain is important.

After a long season of gravel racing and riding, what are the main things to look out for?

Basically, inspect any of the parts that wear out over time. This includes the tires, the brake pads, and the chain. If you’re riding and racing quite regularly, you might consume as many as 5-6 pairs of tires, 3-4 bike chains, and 2-3 sets of brake pads over the course of a season.

Those regular wear items should be monitored every month or two if you’re riding quite often. Or, at the end of the season is OK if you are riding 1-2 times per week. For sure, at the end of the season, it’s also advisable to inspect the cassette cogs and chainrings for wear, plus the disc brake rotors which also wear out gradually.

The more specific season-end maintenance, procedures that can be performed once or twice a year, include replacing the hydraulic brake fluid, replacing shifter cables and housing (if using mechanical systems), and inspecting all the bearing systems such as hubs, bottom brackets, and headsets. These systems are typically quite well sealed and can last up to several years, but if you ride in harsh conditions, they might need service.

What are your number one tips for regular maintenance?

Keep the bike clean. Again, a bike repair stand or even a free-standing floor stand will help you keep the bike upright during regular bike washes. A clean bike not only looks better, but lasts longer because dirt and grime is abrasive on both moving parts and on the frame paint itself.

When you wash the bike, scrub grime from the bike chain, cogs, and chainrings. Keep the greasy brushes and wash water away from your brake calipers and rotors, but scrub those out too. In both cases, dust or mud is abrasive and will accelerate wear on the surfaces.

Keep the chain lubricated. Make sure it’s clean, then apply suitable lubricant and wipe off the excess.

Monitor the gear shifting for proper adjustment. Electronic systems should stay in adjustment without any effort. By contrast, the performance of traditional mechanical shifting (which relies on steel cables moving through cable housing) can degrade over time.

If you’re running tubeless tires, be sure to refresh the sealant every few months. It dries out over time and won’t be effective in sealing punctures. While you’re doing this, make sure the valves are functioning properly and are secure to the rims. Inspect the tire casing for any cuts or damage and inspect the tread for wear. Replace tires as needed.

While you’re checking out the tires, look at the rims and wheels as well. Make sure they are true and round and confirm that the spokes are tight.

What are the big jobs that need to be done each year?

It really depends on how much you’re riding and what type of conditions. But for a lot of folks, the biggest annual jobs will be service or replacement of critical ball bearing systems like hubs, bottom bracket and headset. Most of these systems are well sealed from the factory and can last several years without service, depending on the conditions. But if you ride in wet or muddy conditions, it’s probable that you’ll need to service these bearings. They are critical to the function of your bike and should certainly be inspected each year.

If you’re using a mechanical shifting system, it’s a good idea to replace the shifter cable and housing. The housing wears out due to the abrasion of the cable moving through it. As a result, shifting performance degrades slowly over time.

Definitely replace brake hydraulic fluid once a year. Braking performance depends on it. The fluid breaks down over time due to heat from the braking friction. And then it doesn’t work as well, causing brakes to rub or feel spongey.

Once a year or more, check the spoke tension on the wheels. Properly tensioned wheels stay true longer. They are stronger and more resistant to damage from hard hits on rides.

Replacing handlebar tape or grips at least once a year is a nice way to refresh the feel of the bike.

Top 5 tips for keeping the bike running all year round?

1. Keep the bike clean, especially the chain and drivetrain.
2. Keep the chain clean and lubricated and inspect for wear or damage.
3. Keep the tires properly inflated, inspect the tread for wear and the casing for damage, and refresh the sealant every few months.
4. Keep the brake pads clean, replace as needed, and inspect the brake rotors for damage.
5. Keep the shifting adjusted so gear shifts are crisp and precise.