When is the best time to get a bicycle ready for the upcoming season? Going for spring? Try again! The ideal time is winter. Yes, that’s right – when the roads are covered in snow and your bike is hibernating. This is the best time to have it serviced.
Wonder why? We give you 5 reasons why servicing a children's bike in the winter is worth it, adding and overview of what part of the bike you should focus on.
While bike repair shops get really busy in the spring, for mechanics wintertime is the quietest time of the year. This means they can spend more time with you discussing relevant bike issues and your bike gets proper care. And that pays off!
Chill out! In the winter, there is still plenty of time before the cycling season starts. There is no pressure as you have time to think about what improvements and repairs you bicycle needs. And you can simply pick the bike up from the service when it’s convenient for you! No rush, no stress.
Last minute service can come expensive. Bike shops often increase the prices for service at the start of the season due to the growing demand. If you have your bike serviced in the winter, you can save a lot of money and avoid the stress of not having your bike ready when the warm days arrive.
Ready for sunny rides! When others are just starting to think about dusting off their children's bikes, your little one can jump on and fully enjoy the first spring sunrays. You know what they say: Luck favors the prepared!
Gear up! Make the most of the quiet wintertime and think about your children's bike upgrade. What about a practical handlebar bag, a high-quality bell, a more comfortable saddle or powerful lights? Having your child’s bike serviced is a good opportunity for well-deserved upgrades.
Tip: Thinking of an upgrade? Gain some inspiration in our article How to Make Your Kid’s Bike Even Safer.
Simply put: performance needs maintenance. It is crucial if you want the bicycle function well and serve a long time. And that’s not all. Reliable and smoothly running child's bike is key to safety and comfort. Regular maintenance extends the life of your child's bike and prevents unnecessary issues and injuries.
You might think: I can manage the basic maintenance by myself just fine! Well, good for you – but still, we recommend visiting a professional bike service at least once a year. Experts have the relevant tools and can detect hidden problems your child's bike might have.
Let's now focus on parts of a children's bike that you should pay attention to.
Check the brakes in the first place. They play a key part in the safety of young riders. Focus on functionality (whether they brake properly), have the brake pads or blocks checked for wear, and make sure the brake cables move smoothly. If the children's bike is equipped with hydraulic brakes, it is a good idea to have them bled even in terms of prevention.
Is it easy to spin the pedals? If not, check the chain and drivetrain. A neglected chain can make pedaling difficult and produce unpleasant noises. A poorly adjusted derailleur can even discourage your child from cycling completely. Therefore, pay attention to the chain's tension, its wear, and whether it is well-lubricated. The derailleur and shifting must run smoothly and precisely.
Well-inflated tires, which are not worn out or damaged, provide better grip and make the ride more fun. For a stable ride, it is important to have smoothly running wheels. Inspect the tires for cracks, wear-outs and adequate tire pressure. Check the tension of the spokes and that the bearings in the hubs have no play.
Is your little one struggling when riding corners? A loose or rusty headset can make steering hard. Loose pedals or neglected bottom brackets can lead to inefficient pedaling or even a crash. The pedals should rotate freely without getting stuck.
A damaged frame or fork can cause a very unpleasant crash or accident. Therefore, check the frame before the season and, of course, also if the bike has been involved in a crash or has fallen down. Look for possible cracks on the frame and fork. The same applies to the handlebars, stem and seatpost.
Tip: How to make a proper safety bike check? Learn more in our article Children’s Bicycle Maintenance: A Practical Guide for Parents.
Keeping a children's bike in good technical condition requires regular maintenance. Seasonal professional service will not only extend the bike's life, but it also ensures the bike is safe to ride. Winter is not only a time of peace and relaxation, but also an ideal time to prepare the bike for the next season.
If you want to save time and money, take advantage of the free capacities, plan a visit to the service during winter and be a few steps ahead! Your little one will have their bike ready for the season in time – and when the sun comes out, he can happily ride off!
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