Why do you need to service a gravel bike more frequently?

October 21, 2021

Gravel biking has managed to pique your curiosity or even convert you to this fun and ever-growing activity.  One of the hot topics of the moment, with the season ending and the days getting shorter, is the maintenance of your bike with almost entirely gravel use.  Many of our customers have experience with road cycling, and even though the two bikes look similar at first glance, their maintenance differs greatly. When was your last tune-up?  Does your bike have hydraulic or mechanical disc brakes? What is the difference?  Let's look at the various components of a gravel bike and the best practices for keeping them in good condition. 

To begin

The first component requiring special attention is perhaps the most important: your brakes. They are an essential element to keep in good condition because it concerns your safety. The new standard in gravel bikes is to have disc brakes.  You will mainly have 4 different items to maintain. The first part to wear out and require replacement will be your brake pads. These often need replacing several times a season, depending on your usage and the conditions in which you ride. Next, your wiring, if you have mechanical brakes, or the brake fluid, if your bike has hydraulic brakes. We recommend replacing your brake cables annually to maintain smooth braking. This way, you won't have to use extra force when you brake.  Furthermore, a brake service is a good way to maintain their proper functioning. When it comes to hydraulic brakes, manufacturers agree that annual servicing is the best way to keep your equipment in optimal condition for a long time. This service will include, among other things, cleaning the calipers (and discs and pads if applicable), lubricating the pistons, replacing the fluid, and adjusting the brakes. In both cases, the lifespan of your equipment will depend on your use and maintenance. The last item to check in the case of a disc brake is the disc itself. These are generally good for a few seasons.  Their thickness will be measured during your fine-tuning. Obviously, occasionally a record can become cloudy. In most cases, technicians are able to straighten it.  If they become icy, normally sandblasting them will solve the problem.

The next point concerns your bike's drivetrain, and more specifically the chain. The chain installed on a gravel bike will behave more like the one on a mountain bike than the one found on a road bike.  Because it is more exposed to the elements and dirt, it will wear out more quickly.  It is therefore essential to clean and lubricate your chain regularly, and certainly more frequently than on your road bike. In fact, a good habit to adopt would be to do this after every ride. Another positive point is that you will extend the life of your rollers, cassette and chainrings in addition to maintaining quality gear changes throughout the season.  Furthermore, given that steep climbs often force us to pedal at a very low cadence, the torque applied to the chain will reduce its lifespan.  That being said, don't be surprised if your chain needs to be replaced well before reaching 2500km. Simply replacing your chain when it has reached 75% wear will cost you much less than having to replace the chainrings or cassette at shorter intervals.

Let's continue with the bottom bracket and headset bearings.  They bear the brunt of your pedaling, but also of the elements. The projection of sand and dust, as well as hiking in the rain or passing through mud, make them much more vulnerable to premature wear. Although nowadays the majority of headset and bottom bracket bearings are sealed and require no maintenance per se, they are still not completely water and sandproof. Therefore, we recommend having them cleaned and greased on a regular basis, 2 to 3 times per season. This way, your gravel bike will remain quiet and you will ensure the durability of your bearings. Be aware that the most frequent creaking noises occur when there is too much dirt buildup between the bearings and their bearing surface.

What to do about your tires

Now let's talk about your gravel tires. These tires keep you in control, give you confidence, and provide comfort. It is therefore highly recommended to check them regularly to ensure a smooth ride. For cyclists who haven't yet switched to tubeless and still use inner tubes, simply check the wear and overall condition of your tires. If they are in good condition, without too many cuts and you still have all the grip necessary for your exploits, there is no need to worry. However, if you're using a tubeless setup, the sealant may stop working after a few months. It's therefore wise to replace the sealant every 3-4 months. Indeed, it dries out over time and therefore needs to be replaced. This will ensure the system's reliability. We will discuss the advantages of Tubeless technology in another article, stay tuned for more information. 

After gravel tires, it's the wheels of your gravel bike that take a beating. They also take a beating! As you now know, gravel roads can sometimes be very rough and they pose a challenge for your wheels. Adjusting spoke tensions and aligning them periodically remains the best way to keep them in good condition. Nowadays, most wheels come equipped with sealed bearings. Although very little maintenance is required on the majority of them, when play is present, it is imperative to have them checked and replace the faulty bearing(s) if necessary. 

Let's finish with your frame. As it is the key component of your bike, it is imperative to take care of its maintenance. It bears the brunt of your outings, whether from thrown stones or the movement of your freestanding bags. Furthermore, even its own wiring, often too long, can cause abrasion in places.  A good way to prevent deterioration of the finish or scratches in your paintwork would be to apply a protective film to the frame and fork. You'll see that the investment is worth it. Another important point: remove, clean, grease and reinstall your seat post regularly. Cracking noises are often present in this area due to an accumulation of dirt. Furthermore, as vibrations are an integral part of all good gravel bike rides, check the bolts periodically to ensure that everything is still securely fastened.

To conclude

In conclusion, as with all types of bikes, the key to success in maintaining your gravel bike is certainly regularity. When you hear a noise or feel a drop in performance from one of the components or your bike in general, don't wait and go to the workshop quickly to have it checked. Please note that assessments are always free. Furthermore, the months of October to December are most certainly the best time to have your bicycles serviced. We have the parts in stock and all the time necessary to make your frame shine for another season. 

Feel free to contact us to schedule an appointment for your tune-up.

YAN PERREAULT

Gravel bike expert at Studio Cycle Maglia Rosa

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