Spring in Ottawa means one thing. Riding season is back! Here are some tips if you're thinking about a tune up or coming by the bike shop!
As the snow melts and pathways clear, riders across the city start pulling bikes out of basements, sheds, and trainers. But after months of road salt, freezing temperatures, and months of storage, your bike needs more than a quick tire pump before it is ready to roll.
Whether you’re going for a chill ride along the canal, or going hard in Gatineau Park, this spring tune-up checklist will make sure your bike is safe, smooth, and dialed for day one.
Start With a Full Bike Wash
Salt corrosion is public enemy number one after an Ottawa winter. Even invisible residue can eat away at drivetrains, bolts, and bearings if left untreated.
Spring wash checklist:
- Rinse with low-pressure water
- Use bike-specific soap
- Degrease the drivetrain separately
- Scrub the cassette and chainrings
- Dry thoroughly with a microfiber cloth or let it air dry
- Avoid pressure washers. They force water into sealed bearings and suspension.
Frame and Fork Inspection
Before dialing performance, confirm structural safety.
Look closely for:
- Paint cracks or chips
- Carbon stress lines
- Rust on steel frames
- Dents from storage impacts
- Suspension seal oil residue
If anything looks questionable, book a professional inspection before riding.
Brake System Check
Your brakes are your most important safety system, especially in the early season when roads are wet and gritty.
Hydraulic Disc Brakes
Inspect:
- Pad thickness
- Rotor wear or discoloration
- Hose abrasion
- Oil leaks at calipers or levers
Spongy lever feel or pulling to the bar indicates air or fluid contamination. A bleed may be required.
Rim Brakes
Check:
- Pad wear or glazing
- Cable tension
- Housing friction
If your brakes feel weak or inconsistent, replace the cables and pads.
Drivetrain Deep Clean and Inspection
Your drivetrain absorbs the most winter abuse.
Chain
- Measure wear with a chain checker
- Replace if stretched
- Clean and re-lube thoroughly
A worn chain accelerates cassette and chainring wear.
Cassette and Chainrings
- Look for shark-tooth wear
- Inspect for grime buildup
- Ensure lockrings are torqued properly
If you don't have a torque wrench, you can always bring it by a shop.
Derailleurs
- Check hanger alignment
- Inspect pulley wheels
- Test shifting through all gears
Slow or noisy shifting usually means indexing or cable service is needed.
Electronic Shifting Systems
If you run electronic drivetrains:
- Charge batteries fully and replace dead ones
- Check wire connections
- Check for firmware updates & app pairing
Cold storage can slowly drain batteries even when not in use.
Crankset and Pedals
Inspect:
- Crank arm damage
- Bottom bracket play
- Pedal bearing smoothness
Any lateral movement or clicking should be serviced immediately.
Bolts and Torque Check
Temperature fluctuations can loosen critical fasteners.
Check torque on:
- Stem bolts
- Handlebar clamp
- Seatpost
- Brake calipers
- Rotor bolts
- Chainring bolts
- Always torque to manufacturer spec where possible.
Bearings and Contact Points
Salt intrusion can silently damage bearings.
Inspect for roughness or play in:
- Headset
- Bottom bracket
- Wheel hubs
- Pedals
Grinding or knocking means service or replacement is due.
Tires and Tubeless Systems
Rubber and sealant degrade in storage.
Check for:
- Sidewall cracking
- Worn tire tread
- Flat spots (especially if used on a trainer during winter)
If running tubeless:
- Clean out old sealant and refill
- Inspect rim tape (look for any sharp edges or spoke puncture holes)
Fresh tires can dramatically improve ride feel.
Suspension Service (If Applicable)
Mountain and gravel riders should:
- Set air pressure
- Inspect seals
- Clean stanchions
- Book lower leg service if overdue
Just before spring is prime time to refresh suspension before the shops get flooded with service appointments.
Best Left to a Shop
- Brake bleeds
- Wheel truing
- Bearing replacement
- Suspension service
- Full safety inspections
A professional tune ensures nothing gets missed before you get back out on your bike. And a friendly reminder we do year round service at Quick Cranks.
If you have any questions or want to book a service appointment, feel free to reach out to us online or pop on by for a visit!
