Bike Maintenance: a little care goes a long way

A well-maintained bike is safer, more comfortable, and more enjoyable to ride. Most of what keeps your bike in good shape are simple checks, and your dealer is always there when you need more hands-on help. 

Regular maintenance

Cleaning

Clean the frame with a damp cloth. For stubborn dirt, a mild detergent is fine. Clean the wheels with a soft brush, not a wire brush. The saddle, grips, and backrest can be wiped down with mild soap and water. Never use a pressure washer or steam cleaner.

In winter, when roads are salted, more frequent cleaning will help protect the frame and components.

Chain

Clean and lubricate the chain about every three months. Use a dedicated chain lubricant or Teflon spray, as these are designed for the job.

Do not apply lubricant to other parts of the bike. A clean, well-lubricated chain runs more smoothly, lasts longer, and makes pedalling easier.

Reflectors

Check that all reflectors are present, undamaged, and clean. If any are missing or cracked, contact your dealer for replacements.

Tyres

Tyre pressure can vary a lot from one bike and tyre to another. So take a moment to check the tyre itself. On the sidewall you will find the minimum and maximum pressure. A good starting point is the average between these two values.

Check tyre pressure at least once every four weeks and before longer rides. Properly inflated tyres last longer and help maximise battery range on electric bikes. For the Easy Go scooter bike, we recommend a higher tyre pressure on the rear wheels. This should be around 5 bar. For many other vanRaam tricycles, around 4 bar is usually a good tyre pressure.