How to Maintain Your Indoor Cycle: A Practical, Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you have committed to riding at home and have purchased your bike, your job is only beginning. Regular maintenance is needed to keep your new bike working at its best. Regular upkeep of your bike may feel daunting, but don’t worry, the team at IndoorCyclingLove is here to lead the way.

If you have a direct-drive trainer instead of a bike, you can read our guide on how to maintain a bike trainer.

Before we break down how often to check your bike, we need to understand what features your bike includes.

Types of Resistance Systems

There are two different types of resistance systems that your bike could include. It is essential to understand which one your bike has to take care of it properly. The resistance system options include friction or magnetic.

Determining Your Drive System

Some indoor cycling models include a chain drive, while others offer a belt system like your regular outdoor bike. These different drive systems require diverse maintenance plans discussed in further detail below.

Maintenance Schedule

Like any quality machine, it is important to service your indoor cycling bike regularly to keep your bike at its best. Check out our daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance recommendations below.

Potential Tools Needed

Daily Tasks

1. Clean

After EVERY ride, you need to clean your bike. Sweat can cause rust and erosion of the frame. Remember to never spray the cleaner directly onto your bike, but spray it on a soft towel. A mild spray cleanser works, or even using a Clorox wipe. Just remember you do not want to clean the bike with anything abrasive. Cleaning the bike includes more than just the handlebars and saddle, but it is vital to clean the chain or belt guard in addition to the handlebar and seat posts.

Tip: Lift the handlebars and seats to the highest level possible before cleaning the posts. This position will also allow more airflow to eliminate any remaining moisture.

Katie Pierson, Spinning Instructor

2. Remove Resistance

Always take off all the resistance after your ride. Not removing the resistance can mess with the bike’s calibration.

Weekly Tasks

1. Tighten Crank Arms & Pedals

As you continue to ride your bike over time, the crank arms and pedals will require tightening. Note that the pedals are always tightened by turning towards the bike’s front, while the crank arms follow the regular tighten to the right and loosen to the left.

2. Check the Feet

The stabilizers located on the feet of the cycles should be checked weekly to keep your ride stable.

3. Bottom Brackets

Some play in the pedals is needed, but it can become too much of a good thing. Tightening the brackets will help keep your cleat in a better position while also helping to decrease the possibility of stripping the bracket screws.

Monthly Tasks

Once a month, you should look over the bike for any new sounds or vibrations. Using a cycle that includes friction resistance, a silicon-based lubricant will need to be applied to the flywheel and brake pads. You will also want to lubricate your knobs on the seat and handlebar posts during this checkup. If riding on a chain drive system, the chain should be lubricated and checked to see if it requires any tightening. Although it might need to be done every month, it is a good idea to wipe down your belt drive with a damp cloth regularly.

Tip: Although WD-40 is a lubricant, it can be abrasive, so we do not recommend using it on your bike.

Katie Pierson, Spinning Instructor

Other Maintenance Considerations

Friction Resistance Systems

Based on usage, the wool pads will need to be replaced approximately every 6-12 months. So if you need to turn the resistance knob more for the same resistance as in the past, then you know that it is time to change the pads out.

Magnetic Resistance Systems

If you are experiencing a loss in resistance, this can be due to one or more magnets slipping from their position. Resistance can be restored by securing the slipped magnet back into place.

Belt Drives

Although belt drives do not require much maintenance, the belt can loosen and begin to slip. The belt will need to be replaced. If you do not feel comfortable making this repair, a bike technician can do this for you.

The Bottom Line

If you maintain your bike correctly, you can enjoy a bike that continues to feel brand-new for years to come. We recommend that you have a professional examine your bike once a year to ensure that everything is working correctly. This will increase the longevity of your bike. Happy riding!