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Bike Maintenance for Beginners: Chain, Brakes and Gears in 20 Minutes
A simple routine to keep your bike safe and smooth: cleaning and lubing the chain, checking brakes, tyre pressure and indexing gears.
By LiveFix AI Team · October 2, 2026 · 6 min read
A bike is one of the most repairable machines you own, and most problems are simple adjustments. Twenty minutes every few weeks keeps it running safely.
Before every ride: the ABC check
- A for air: tyres firm and at the pressure printed on the sidewall.
- B for brakes: squeeze both levers; they should engage well before the bar.
- C for chain: clean and lightly oiled, not dry or caked in grime.
Clean and lube the chain
- Shift to a middle gear and back-pedal the chain through a rag soaked in degreaser.
- Rinse and dry the chain.
- Apply one drop of chain lube to each link while back-pedalling.
- Wipe off the excess; too much lube attracts dirt.
Check the brakes
Look at the brake pads. If the wear lines are gone, replace them. Make sure the pads hit the rim or rotor squarely and that the cables are not frayed. Show the camera if you are unsure what you are looking at.
Fix gears that skip or slip
If the chain jumps between gears, the cable tension is probably off. Use the barrel adjuster near the rear derailleur: turn it a quarter turn at a time while pedalling and shifting until it runs quietly. A bent derailleur hanger or a stretched chain needs replacement.
A quick tool list
- A set of Allen keys
- A tyre pump with a gauge
- Tyre levers and a spare tube
- Chain lube and degreaser
Got a squeaky bike? Let LiveFix AI have a look.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I lube my bike chain?
About every 100 to 200 km, or after riding in the wet.
Why does my bike skip gears?
Cable tension is often off. Adjust the barrel adjuster a quarter turn at a time; a worn chain or bent hanger needs replacing.
How do I know when brake pads are worn?
When the wear lines on the pads are gone, or braking feels weak, replace them.
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