E-Mountain Bike Maintenance guide: Part 1 Pre and post ride checklist

This is part 1 of a 3-part blog post with the purpose of introducing new E-Mountain Bikers to the necessary service procedures to keep their bikes running safe and smooth.

With the rise of E-MTB in popularity, we see more and more electric mountain bikes come through the doors of our repair shop. The benefits these bikes offer are a game changer for many riders who are short for time or that want to cover more ground in less time. Due to the high-torque nature of these machines, it is important to regularly maintain these bikes.  A lot of the costly repairs that we get to perform on a week-to-week basis can be avoided or prolonged by simple home maintenance procedures. Below is a pre-ride and post-ride checklist any rider can perform at home with simple tools and supplies.

Pre-ride checklist:

1. Make sure wheel axles are tight. Wiggling the wheels side-to-side is a good way to check for loose axles, loose spokes or play in the hubs.

2. Check the drivetrain for debris and other unwanted gunk. We recommend thoroughly lubricating the chain and wiping off the excess with a rag as part of the pre-ride routine.

3. Check the tire pressure before riding, adjust according to the terrain and conditions. 

4. Check the battery life of the bike and other electrical components like AXS batteries or lights. 

5. Parking lot test. Bounce around on your bike and make sure all controls feel and work as intended. 

Post-ride checklist:

1. Wash the bike and wipe down and/or degrease the chain. 

2. Inspect brake pads and rotors for wear or unusual marks. 

3. Charge the battery and check the battery life of other electrical components like AXS batteries or lights. 

4. Visually inspect tires for wear or rips. Check wheels for loose or broken spokes.

5. Inspect the bike for vertical play in the rear end, side-to-side play in the wheels and horizontal play or unusual friction in the headset. Adjust headset preload or re-torque axles/shock/pivot bolts if required. 

After every 3-4 rides you should:

1. Use a chain checker to measure drivetrain wear. 

2. Clean and degrease the bike’s drivetrain components. 

3. Perform a bolt check of the whole bike. 

4. Ensure the brake calipers are aligned. 

5. Check shifting, brake bite point and visually inspect shift cable, brake hoses and outer shift cables. 

When in doubt, always consult a qualified bike mechanic.