Your Bike’s Mid-Season Check-Up: Don’t Let Wear and Tear Ruin Summer Rides
- CHARLOTTE BATTY
- Jul 18
- 2 min read
Learn the top 4 mid-season checks from BikeMage's expert mechanic, plus tips on when to DIY and when to call in the pros.
There’s nothing better than those mid-season rides - long days, dry trails, and everything starting to feel dialled. But lately? My bike’s been feeling… off.
The brakes feel a little softer than usual. The gears aren’t quite as crisp. And there’s this odd little creak I keep hearing when I climb.
Sound familiar?
Midway through the season is when small issues tend to sneak up—because everything’s had a few months to wear in (or wear out). And trust me: those little issues never stay little for long.
That’s why a mid-season check-up is key for keeping your bike happy (and your rides stress-free). The minute my bike started feeling off, I knew exactly who to call - Ruel from BikeMage. He’s seen it all and knows exactly what to look for mid-season.
Here’s Ruel’s Top 4 Mid-Season Checks Every Rider Should Do:
1. Chain Stretch & Drivetrain Wear
Why it matters: A stretched chain can quickly wear down your cassette and chainrings turning a small repair into a big bill.
How to check: Use a chain checker tool or bring it in for a quick measurement. Most chains need replacing when they hit 0.5–0.75% wear.
2. Brake Pads & Rotors
Why it matters: Fading brakes aren’t just annoying, they’re dangerous.
How to check: Look at your brake pads, if the pad material is thinner than 1.5mm, it’s time for fresh ones. Check your rotors for deep grooves or scoring, too.
3. Suspension Service Intervals
Why it matters: Suspension components need regular maintenance to keep working properly and ignoring it leads to pricey repairs later.
How to check: Most forks and shocks need lower leg/air-can service every 50 hours of riding. If it’s been a few months since your last service and you’ve been hitting the trails often, it’s probably time.
4. Bearings & Bolts
Why it matters: Worn bearings can lead to creaks, poor handling, and even frame damage.
How to check: Spin your wheels and pivot points. Pick up the bike slightly and drop it. Listen for rattling, grinding or clunky noises that feel off. Simple check: Use your multitool to ensure that all bolts are snug (but avoid overtightening - refer to the bike’s user manual for exact torque specs).
When To DIY and When To Book A Pro Tune-Up
Some quick checks, like chain wear or brake pad thickness, are easy DIY tasks. But suspension service, bearing inspections, and drivetrain replacements are usually best left to the pros.
Ruel’s rule of thumb:
If you’re not 100% sure what’s making that weird noise or what to replace… don’t guess—get it checked.
Keep The Last Rides of the Summer Smooth (And Safe)
Mid-season issues won’t magically fix themselves, but they’re often cheaper and faster to repair if you catch them now.
If your bike’s been feeling a little off or you just want peace of mind heading into the back half of the season, swing by BikeMage for a tune-up. Their expert crew will get everything dialled so you can get back to the good part, riding!
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