First maintenance of a new bike

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What special maintenance should be done on a new bike during the
first 1000 km? Comes to my mind:

-retighten cranks (though some people say don't)
-check that wheels are true and spokes ok

Funnily enough, at sheldonbrown there is an "Old Bikes" section
but no "New Bikes" section.

--
Risto Varanka | http://www.helsinki.fi/~rvaranka/hpv/hpv.html
varis at no spam please iki fi

[Harris]

Risto Varanka wrote:

> What special maintenance should be done on a new bike during the
> first 1000 km? Comes to my mind:
>
> -retighten cranks (though some people say don't)

Cranks should be tightened properly when first installed. Especially if you
have a square taper BB, you should *not* re-tighten. The dust cap should be
snugged up to the crank bolt to prevent it from backing out. Read the FAQ
for an excellent discussion on this subject:
http://draco.acs.uci.edu/rbfaq/FAQ/8f.11.html

> -check that wheels are true and spokes ok

Good idea. Make sure spokes are properly tensioned. If you're not sure if
the spokes were ever stress relieved, do it now.

Some other things that should be done:

Check that the wheels are centered in the frame, and then, that the brake
pads are centered with respect to the rims.

Re-check brake and shift cable adjustments. Make sure you can shift smoothly
through ALL the gears without dropping the chain.

Check that the brake pads are in good shape, and that they contact the rim
properly.

Check tires for cuts.

Clean and lube chain.

Check that all bearings (hubs, BB, headset, pedals) are running smoothly.

If you're bringing the bike in for 1000 km checkup, this would be a good
time to discuss any comfort / fit issues with the shop.

Art Harris

[Qui si parla Campagnolo]

risto-<< What special maintenance should be done on a new bike during the
first 1000 km? Comes to my mind:

-retighten cranks (though some people say don't)
-check that wheels are true and spokes ok >><BR><BR>

I would say check the cranks, not just tighten out of hand. Also check the true
of the wheels, brake, HS, hub, der adjust...lube chain if it needs it.

New bike-LBS should take care of this.

Peter Chisholm
Vecchio's Bicicletteria
1833 Pearl St.
Boulder, CO, 80302
(303)440-3535
http://www.vecchios.com
"Ruote convenzionali costruite eccezionalmente bene"