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Experts share how to make your bike last longer – and why regular care pays off

Cycling experts have shared their top tips in a new Guardian feature revealing how simple maintenance habits can extend the life of a bike and save riders from costly repairs.

10 Oct 2025, more…

Scottish bike shop to celebrate 20-year anniversary with prize draw and instore event

An independent Scottish cycling retailer is celebrating 20 years in business this month with a prize draw and ‘celebratory cupcakes’ during an event at the shop.

24 Sep 2025, more…

Irish cycle workshop team achieves cycling industry accreditation with help from fellow ACT member

Dublin-based cycle workshop the Rediscovery Centre has achieved Cytech accreditation for its workshop team after completing advanced training with Activate Cycle Academy, an Oxford-based...

15 Sep 2025, more…

The ACT and Bikmo partnership helping independent retailers

With D2C bike brands facing significant headwinds, local bike have seen modest but real improvements in profits and prospects. Partnerships like ACT and Bikmo are helping independents strengthen...

11 Sep 2025, more…

Panel event hosted by ACT Director to focus on retailer insights from the shop floor

A panel event hosted by ACT Director Jonathan Harrison will focus on retailer experiences and how they are adapting to a number of challenges within the sector at this year’s inaugural...

4 Sep 2025, more…

Pre-registration now open for inaugural cycling industry event CIN Live 2025

Pre-registration has now opened for the very first Cycling Industry News Live (CIN Live) show, taking place on Sunday 14 and Monday 15 September 2025 at NAEC Stoneleigh, Warwickshire.

29 Aug 2025, more…

ACT to join industry leaders at brand new cycling trade event this September

The ACT is set to be in attendance at the inaugural Cycling Industry News Live (CIN Live) trade show, which is set to bring together industry-wide education, market insight and product showcases...

13 Aug 2025, more…

Cytech Grad Achieves Elite UCI Level 3 Mechanic Certification

A former student of South Africa’s Torq Zone Academy has taken a major step forward in cycling mechanic training after completing the prestigious UCI Level 3 Mechanics Course in Aigle,...

30 Jul 2025, more…

Activate Cycle Academy returns to major bike festival with Cytech training insight

Cytech training provider Activate Cycle Academy will be at this year’s Cannondale Malverns Classic Mountain Bike Festival over the August Bank Holiday.

23 Jul 2025, more…

Chief of Government cycling programme calls for national Action on cycle access

Urgent, collective action is needed to improve children’s access to bikes as “too many are being left behind”, according to Bikeability Trust chief executive Emily Cherry.

16 Jul 2025, more…

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Experts share how to make your bike last longer – and why regular care pays off

Posted on 10 Oct 2025

Cycling experts have shared their top tips in a new Guardian feature revealing how simple maintenance habits can extend the life of a bike and save riders from costly repairs.

Bike Clean
torwaiphoto/stock.adobe.com

The article, titled “‘Once a fortnight would save people hundreds’: how to make your bike last longer, according to experts’”, details a variety of methods of “affordable habits” to increase bike longevity and includes contributions from a variety of cycling specialists.

Ryan Elson, co-founder of workshop management platform and ACT service partner Bikebook, stresses that keeping a bike clean and dry is a crucial thing cyclists can do to make their bikes last. He also advises against using pressure washers, which can strip grease from moving parts.

Elson comments: “Hand cleaning is the best way to do it, and use a rag rather than letting it drip dry because that can create rust. It’s all about keeping stuff dry and clean.”

The article brings together a range of practical guidance on how to make a bike last longer, focusing on small, regular actions that prevent long-term damage. Advice includes leaning the bike every couple of weeks to help remove dirt and salt that wear down parts, regularly lubricating the chain to prevent costly transmission wear, and checking tyre pressure before each ride reduces the risk of punctures and rim damage, and inspecting tyres for cracks or cuts can prevent sudden failures

In addition to this, the article also emphasises keeping brakes clean and replacing pads before they wear too far, as well as proper storage, ideally indoors or under a dry, waterproof cover. Furthermore, details such as using mudguards in winter and avoiding overtightening bolts can make a significant difference to the lifespan of key components according to specialists in the feature.

A number of respected cycling experts have contributed to the piece, including Lee Carter, head mechanic at Bespoke Cycling, who focuses on the basics of cleaning, tyre checks and routine servicing; noting that washing your bike once a fortnight could save hundreds over a year. Meanwhile, Mary Clark, from Bee Pedal Ready shared practical chain-care tips and highlights the dangers of contamination when cleaning around disc brakes.

The Guardian feature highlights many areas of bike maintenance that independent bike retailers can assist riders with through the deep knowledge and quality aftercare that is a cornerstone of the indie bike retail sector.

Through its partnership with Bikebook, the ACT continues to support independent retailers in promoting good maintenance and growing workshop sales. Find out how your shop can benefit from workshop management support here.