Upgrade your bike components with Cycle 360…

The more you love and ride your bike, the more wear and tear it’ll endure. Naturally, things may not function like you remember, and you may start considering replacing your old bike with a new model as a result. However, this isn’t the only answer as there are many ways to bring life into your well-loved ride with some key component upgrades.

We’ve put together a handy list of components that can help bring a new lease of life into your old ride. All components listed can be purchased in the Cycle 360 bikeshop or  replaced with the help of our workshop team. So, why not support your local, independent bikeshop by upgrading your bike components through us, rather than buying online!

Brake pads

Brake pads are arguably one of the most important components to keep an eye on, purely for safety reasons. Brake pads wear down quite quickly, especially if you use your bike every day. It’s extremely dangerous to avoid changing your brake pads until the last minute so be sure to keep an eye on them.

You should check your front and back pads to see how much they’ve eroded – most commercial brake pads have a universal wear indicator on them. If it’s below the safety level, they need to be replaced immediately. Luckily, brake pads are relatively cheap to replace, and this is something you should do often.

Chain and cassette 

A chain checker is good to have for regularly monitoring chain wear. When the chain is roughly 75% worn, you should replace it. This will help to prolong the life of the rest of the drivetrain. If it’s kept clean and lubricated, your chain can last a long time so be sure to invest in a good chain lube.

As a general guideline, you should replace your cassette after every three chains. When the individual teeth on the cassette become pointy and shark-like, and the gears begin to slip, it’s definitely time to replace it. Most mechanics recommend replacing the cassette every 4,000 to 6,000 miles. 

Tyres

There’s no such thing as an average life expectancy when it comes to tyres. Some tyres could last for years, but it all depends on how many miles and what type of riding you’re doing. 

Generally speaking, all types of tyres can sustain some level of cuts and wear, but once you can see threads or the inner tube, you should replace the tyre immediately. 

Some tyre brands have wear indicators to show when the tread is becoming worn – these will also help you to know when you replace your tyres. Examine your tyres regularly, ideally before every ride, to ensure no major damage or punctures. 

Your rear tyre will typically last longer than your front. But, you should ensure that your best tyre is on the front of your bike for safety and grip. 

Cables

The cables that interlace your bike serve many purposes, from engaging your brakes to shifting your gears… If your gear shifts are feeling sticky and braking is slow despite having fresh brake pads, your cables may need some maintenance. If your housing is cracked or cables are frayed, you should replace them. We recommend replacing your cables once a year, or when you spot rust. 

Handlebar tape

Changing handlebar tape is sometimes just a cosmetic feature. However, your hands rest on your handlebars 99.9% of the time when riding. Therefore, it’s important to make this as comfortable as possible. Once the tape becomes worn and discoloured, you should think about replacing it. 

Cleats

It’s recommended that you replace your cleats at the start of every year, or when the wear indicator says you should. If cleats are used beyond their effective life span, they can often release unexpectedly or stick in the pedals which can cause crashes. Walking on your cleats can cause the worst premature wear, so avoid doing this whenever you can.

Making some of these regular changes and maintaining your bike properly, will result in less money being spent over time and will keep you riding comfortably and safely. Replacement components can be purchased from Cycle 360’s bikeshop team – just pop in and chat to a member of the team who will be happy to advise you. 

Or, you can book your bike in for an annual service with our workshop team, who can do the work for you! Email workshop@cycle360.com to get booked in.

Our workshop also plans on running maintenance courses throughout the winter, so keep an eye out for updates on this…