Modified on Fri, 5 Dec at 4:16 PM

How to Maintain Your MOD Bike

In this article: You’ll learn how to keep your bike running smoothly and safely with regular maintenance. 

This Article Applies to the Following Bikes

Before You Start

• Always place your bike in a stable and well-lit area before performing inspections.

• For quick at-home adjustments, you can use the MOD Maintenance Kit, which includes basic tools needed for routine checks.

• If anything appears damaged or unsafe, do not ride until the issue is fixed.

Maintenance Schedule

Before Every Ride (or Every 30 Miles)

Perform a quick safety check before each ride.

What to Inspect

• General Visual Check
  Make sure all components are in place, nothing is loose, bent, cracked, or broken.

• Chain lubrication check
  Inspect your chain for dryness or noise. If it looks dry, rusty, or sounds squeaky while pedaling, apply a light bicycle-specific chain lube. Wipe off any excess to prevent dirt build-up.

• Frame & Fork
  Look closely for cracks, bends, dents, or any structural imperfections. Stop riding if anything looks suspicious.
  
  

• Folding Parts (if applicable)
  Confirm all folding hinges, latches, and secondary locks are fully closed and secured.
  
  

• Brakes
  Squeeze both brake levers to ensure solid engagement.

  • If the brakes feel soft or spongy, or if you see fluid near the levers or calipers, do not ride. The brake line may have air or a leak and needs professional service.
    
    

• Lights
  Turn on your lights using the control panel (“+” button on compatible models). Verify front and rear lights function properly.
  
  

• Tire Pressure
  Check tire pressure according to the PSI printed on your tire sidewall.

  • If your bike is stored in a location with rapid temperature swings (common in spring and autumn), check air pressure more frequently since PSI fluctuates with temperature.
    
    

• Seatpost, Wheels & Axles
  Confirm the seatpost clamp is tight. Ensure wheel nuts or quick-release skewers are fully tightened and properly aligned.
  
  

• Ride Feel Test
  As you begin your ride, gently test steering, brakes, and shifting.

  • If you feel unusual pulling, wobbling, grinding, or slipping, stop immediately and inspect before continuing.
    
    

Once a Month (or Every 150 Miles)

Do a more detailed inspection of your MOD BIKE.

What to Inspect

• General Visual Check
  Look for loose bolts, bent parts, worn components, or anything out of place.

• Clean and lubricate the chain
  Wipe the chain with a clean cloth to remove dirt, then apply a bicycle-specific chain lubricant evenly across all links. Allow it to soak in briefly and wipe off excess lube. Proper chain care improves performance and reduces drivetrain wear.

• Tire Pressure & Tire Condition
  Re-check PSI and inspect the tire surface for cuts, embedded debris, or visible damage.
  

• Stem, Fork & Handlebar Alignment
  Ensure the fork and stem are parallel. Make sure the handlebar is centered and does not twist under firm pressure. If it does, tighten the stem faceplate and stem bolts evenly.
  

• Wheel Security & Spokes
  Squeeze pairs of spokes all around each wheel.

  • If some spokes bow significantly more than others, they are loose and require adjustment by a professional mechanic.
    Check that wheel nuts or quick-release skewers are tight.
    
    

Every 6 Months (or Every 500 Miles, Whichever Comes First)

At this interval, a full professional tune-up is essential.

What to Do

Take your bike to a qualified mechanic (ideally a MOD BIKES service partner) for a full safety and performance check. This typically includes:

• Brake system inspection and service

• Drivetrain lubrication and adjustment

• Wheel truing and spoke tension balancing

• Torque check on all hardware

• Electrical system check

• General structural and safety inspection

Regular tune-ups keep your bike performing its best and extend component lifespan.

Anytime Something Feels or Looks Wrong

Stop riding immediately if:

• You hear new or unusual noises

• The bike feels unstable, wobbly, or pulls to one side

• Brakes feel soft, inconsistent, or weak

• You see fluid leaks at brake levers or calipers

• You notice loose hardware, movement in the stem or handlebar, or misaligned wheels

• Anything looks damaged or unsafe
  
  

Address the issue before continuing your ride. If you’re unsure, contact a professional mechanic.

Troubleshooting

• Brakes feel soft or spongy → Your hydraulic system may have air in the line or a minor fluid leak. Do not ride and have the brakes professionally serviced.

• Bike pulls, wobbles, or feels unstable → Check that the stem, handlebar, and wheel skewers are fully tightened and aligned. If the issue continues, stop riding and have a mechanic inspect it.

• Tire pressure keeps dropping → Temperature changes or a slow puncture may be the cause. Inflate to the recommended PSI and inspect the tire for debris or cuts.

• Clicking or popping sounds from the wheels → Spokes may have uneven tension. Do not adjust spokes yourself; have a mechanic true the wheel.

• New noise or vibration while riding → Stop immediately and inspect for loose hardware, misalignment, or wear. Do not continue riding until the source is identified.
  
  

FAQs

• Can I check my tire pressure less often?
  No. You should check it before every ride, especially if temperatures fluctuate.

• Do I need a tune-up even if I ride rarely?
  Yes. Every 6 months or 500 miles, whichever comes first.

• What should I do if I hear a new noise?
  Stop riding and inspect the bike. Most noises come from loose hardware or spoke tension issues.

• Can I tighten bolts myself?
  Yes, if you feel comfortable and have the correct tools. Otherwise, consult a mechanic.

• Are soft brakes normal?
  No. Soft or inconsistent brakes require professional hydraulic service before riding again.
  
  

Warning

⚠️ Important Safety & Liability Notice

Improper maintenance or riding with loose, damaged, or worn components can lead to loss of control, serious injury, or death. Follow the maintenance schedule in this guide and stop riding immediately if anything feels or looks unsafe. Always consult a qualified mechanic if you are unsure about the condition of your bike.