Let’s be honest — winter is tough on bikes. Mud, rain, grit, and long weeks sitting unridden in the shed can quietly wear your mountain bike down. By the time spring rolls around, your pride and joy might be creaking, skipping gears, or worse — in for costly repairs that could’ve been avoided. The good news? A few smart checks now can save you big time later. Our mechanics at Mount Bikes have put together a no-nonsense checklist to help you keep your bike dialled through winter — and we’re throwing in some service deals while we’re at it.

✅ Quick DIY Checks You Can Do at Home

Even if you're not a full-time bike tinkerer, there are a few simple checks that will tell you whether it’s time to bring your bike in:

1. Brake Pads & Rotors
Check for wear — if your pads are glazed, noisy, or nearly gone, it’s time for a swap. Winter mud and grit wear pads out faster than you think.

2. Drivetrain Wear
Run your fingers over your chain and cassette. If the chain feels stiff or crunchy, or your gears skip under load, you’re overdue for a clean or replacement.

3. Suspension
Is your fork or shock feeling harsh or sticky? Look for oil seepage around the seals — and check when you last had a full suspension service (we can help with that).

4. Wheel Bearings & Hubs
Give each wheel a spin and a wiggle. Any play or grinding? Bearings might be on the way out.

5. Cables, Housing & Dropper Posts
Cold and damp weather can make things sluggish. Check for drag or hesitation in shifting or dropper movement.

6. Frame & Linkage Check
Look over your frame and suspension pivots for cracks, loose bolts, or side play. If you’re not sure, we can check this properly in-store.

Time for a Proper Tune? Book in With the Mount Bikes Workshop

If your bike needs more than a quick once-over, our experienced mechanics are here to help. We offer:

• Basic Tune-Ups

• Brake Bleeds & Suspension Services

• Full Strip Downs & Rebuilds

• Custom Wheel Builds & Hub Services

👉 Book a Winter Service before August 31 and we’ll throw in free Rock'n'Roll Lube 

Let’s get your bike running like new — ready for spring laps in the Redwoods or a roadie to Rotorua.

⚡ Why Winter?

• Shorter workshop wait times

• Special off-season service offers

• Peace of mind before spring riding ramps up

🔧 Come See Us

Whether you’re riding Summerhill in the drizzle or hibernating ‘til things dry out, now’s the time to show your bike a little love. Call in-store, message us on socials, or book online here to grab your service spot.