How to Get Your Bike Ready for Summer in the Rocky Mountains
Picture yourself cruising through wildflower-lined singletrack or climbing alpine switchbacks under a deep blue Colorado or Utah sky. Spring and summer in the Rockies are peak seasons for mountain biking, and whether you’re chasing descents in Crested Butte or exploring the trails near Deer Valley, there’s one thing you need before you ride: a bike that’s tuned, safe, and ready for the terrain.
Getting your bike into top condition helps ensure performance, safety, and a smoother ride. This is especially important when you’re riding at high altitudes or on rugged terrain. If your bike has been stored all winter, it’s time for a refresh. Christy Sports offers expert bike tuning, repairs, and rentals across top mountain destinations, so you can hit the trail with confidence.
Why Is Pre-Season Bike Prep Essential?
Riding in the Rockies presents unique challenges. The elevation, rocky terrain, and rapidly changing weather conditions demand that your equipment is in top shape.
According to the National Park Service, over 30 percent of bike-related accidents are caused by equipment failure. Many of these issues could be avoided with proper pre-season maintenance. In this environment, skipping a tune-up can lead to more than just inconvenience—it can shorten your ride or put your safety at risk.
Bike maintenance tips are about more than preventing problems. They help ensure every ride is safer, longer, and more enjoyable.
How to Prepare Your Bike for Summer
Use this checklist to get your bike trail-ready. Each step is designed to help you ride with confidence. If you’re not comfortable handling any of these tasks, Christy Sports offers professional bike services to take care of it for you.
1. How Do I Clean My Bike for Spring?
- Wipe the frame with mild soap and water
- Look for cracks, dents, or rust
- Clean the drivetrain, including the chain, cassette, and chainring
Pro tip: Use a bike-specific degreaser and a chain cleaning tool for best results.
2. What Should I Check on My Tires?
- Inspect sidewalls and tread for cracks or wear
- Inflate tires to the pressure range listed on the sidewall
- Consider switching to tubeless tires for better performance on rocky trails. Tubeless setup and tire repair are available at select Christy Sports locations.
3. How Do I Lubricate My Chain?
- Wipe the chain clean with a dry rag
- Apply a dry chain lubricant
- Allow the lube to dry completely before riding
Dry lubricants are ideal for dusty summer rides because they attract less dirt and debris than wet lubes.
4. How Do I Check Brakes and Gears?
- Squeeze each brake lever to ensure the wheel stops immediately. If the brake lever has a spongy feel, a brake bleed may be needed.
- Inspect brake pads and replace them if they appear worn
- Shift through all gears to confirm they change smoothly
If you feel hesitation or hear clicking, your derailleur may need an adjustment. Christy Sports offers full derailleur service and brake bleeds at select locations.
5. What Bolts and Bearings Should I Tighten?
- Use a torque wrench to check your stem, handlebar, crankset, and seatpost bolts
- Ensure that everything is tight but not over-torqued
- Spin your wheels and listen for grinding or resistance
Tightening bolts prevents dangerous mid-ride mechanicals and helps extend the life of your components.
6. How Do I Check Suspension Settings?
- Check and adjust air pressure in your front and rear suspension
- Adjust rebound and compression settings based on your weight
- Inspect for oil leaks or stiction in the fork or shock
If anything feels off, it may be time for a suspension service.
7. Are My Wheels True?
- Spin each wheel and check for wobbling or brake rubbing
- Tighten or replace any loose spokes
- Visit a Christy Sports bike service location for professional wheel truing if needed
Keeping your wheels true helps improve traction, handling, and overall ride quality.
8. What Safety Gear Do I Need for Rocky Mountain Biking?
Mountain trails demand proper safety gear. Be sure to check:
- MIPS-certified bike helmets
- CamelBak with a reservoir for hydration
- Gloves, sunglasses, and body protection for added confidence on technical trails
9. What Essentials Should I Carry on Rides?
Always pack:
- A spare tube or tubeless repair kit
- Tire levers and a mini pump or CO₂ inflator
- A multi-tool with chain breaker
- Quick link for emergency chain repair
- Snacks and water
Conditions can change quickly in the mountains, so it’s best to come prepared.
10. When Should I Get a Professional Tune-Up?
If your bike has been in storage for months or if you’re unsure about any of the steps above, a professional tune-up is the best move.
Christy Sports offers:
- Standard Full Tune for $94.95
- Comprehensive Full Tune for $149.95
- Brake bleeds, tubeless conversions, and a la carte services
Stop by a Christy Sports bike service location to learn more.
Should I Rent or Buy a Bike?
If you’re visiting the Rockies or just exploring a new riding style, renting a bike can be a great choice. Christy Sports offers:
- Downhill, trail, and electric bikes
- Kids’ bikes for family outings
- 10 percent off when you reserve online in advance
Renting gives you flexibility without the hassle of maintenance or transportation.
➡️ Reserve your bike rental today
Where Can I Get Expert Bike Services?
Christy Sports provides expert bike tuning, repairs, and rentals across these locations:
Colorado
- Breckenridge Lone Star
- Frisco
- Vail Village
- Vail Lionshead
- The Alpineer – Crested Butte
- Alpineer – Main Street Telluride
- Bootdoctors – Mt. Village Telluride
- Winter Park
Utah
Our technicians are experienced riders and service experts who can help with everything from simple tune-ups to suspension servicing.
Ready to Ride?
Getting your bike ready for the season is the best way to set yourself up for a safe and fun summer of riding. Whether you need a quick tune or a full rental setup, Christy Sports has you covered with expert service and trusted gear.
Last updated: June 18, 2025
How to Get Your Bike Ready for Summer in the Rocky Mountains
Picture yourself cruising through wildflower-lined singletrack or climbing alpine switchbacks under a deep blue Colorado or Utah sky. Spring and summer in the Rockies are peak seasons for mountain biking, and whether you’re chasing descents in Crested Butte or exploring the trails near Deer Valley, there’s one thing you need before you ride: a bike that’s tuned, safe, and ready for the terrain.
Getting your bike into top condition helps ensure performance, safety, and a smoother ride. This is especially important when you’re riding at high altitudes or on rugged terrain. If your bike has been stored all winter, it’s time for a refresh. Christy Sports offers expert bike tuning, repairs, and rentals across top mountain destinations, so you can hit the trail with confidence.
Why Is Pre-Season Bike Prep Essential?
Riding in the Rockies presents unique challenges. The elevation, rocky terrain, and rapidly changing weather conditions demand that your equipment is in top shape.
According to the National Park Service, over 30 percent of bike-related accidents are caused by equipment failure. Many of these issues could be avoided with proper pre-season maintenance. In this environment, skipping a tune-up can lead to more than just inconvenience—it can shorten your ride or put your safety at risk.
Bike maintenance tips are about more than preventing problems. They help ensure every ride is safer, longer, and more enjoyable.
How to Prepare Your Bike for Summer
Use this checklist to get your bike trail-ready. Each step is designed to help you ride with confidence. If you’re not comfortable handling any of these tasks, Christy Sports offers professional bike services to take care of it for you.
1. How Do I Clean My Bike for Spring?
- Wipe the frame with mild soap and water
- Look for cracks, dents, or rust
- Clean the drivetrain, including the chain, cassette, and chainring
Pro tip: Use a bike-specific degreaser and a chain cleaning tool for best results.
2. What Should I Check on My Tires?
- Inspect sidewalls and tread for cracks or wear
- Inflate tires to the pressure range listed on the sidewall
- Consider switching to tubeless tires for better performance on rocky trails. Tubeless setup and tire repair are available at select Christy Sports locations.
3. How Do I Lubricate My Chain?
- Wipe the chain clean with a dry rag
- Apply a dry chain lubricant
- Allow the lube to dry completely before riding
Dry lubricants are ideal for dusty summer rides because they attract less dirt and debris than wet lubes.
4. How Do I Check Brakes and Gears?
- Squeeze each brake lever to ensure the wheel stops immediately. If the brake lever has a spongy feel, a brake bleed may be needed.
- Inspect brake pads and replace them if they appear worn
- Shift through all gears to confirm they change smoothly
If you feel hesitation or hear clicking, your derailleur may need an adjustment. Christy Sports offers full derailleur service and brake bleeds at select locations.
5. What Bolts and Bearings Should I Tighten?
- Use a torque wrench to check your stem, handlebar, crankset, and seatpost bolts
- Ensure that everything is tight but not over-torqued
- Spin your wheels and listen for grinding or resistance
Tightening bolts prevents dangerous mid-ride mechanicals and helps extend the life of your components.
6. How Do I Check Suspension Settings?
- Check and adjust air pressure in your front and rear suspension
- Adjust rebound and compression settings based on your weight
- Inspect for oil leaks or stiction in the fork or shock
If anything feels off, it may be time for a suspension service.
7. Are My Wheels True?
- Spin each wheel and check for wobbling or brake rubbing
- Tighten or replace any loose spokes
- Visit a Christy Sports bike service location for professional wheel truing if needed
Keeping your wheels true helps improve traction, handling, and overall ride quality.
8. What Safety Gear Do I Need for Rocky Mountain Biking?
Mountain trails demand proper safety gear. Be sure to check:
- MIPS-certified bike helmets
- CamelBak with a reservoir for hydration
- Gloves, sunglasses, and body protection for added confidence on technical trails
9. What Essentials Should I Carry on Rides?
Always pack:
- A spare tube or tubeless repair kit
- Tire levers and a mini pump or CO₂ inflator
- A multi-tool with chain breaker
- Quick link for emergency chain repair
- Snacks and water
Conditions can change quickly in the mountains, so it’s best to come prepared.
10. When Should I Get a Professional Tune-Up?
If your bike has been in storage for months or if you’re unsure about any of the steps above, a professional tune-up is the best move.
Christy Sports offers:
- Standard Full Tune for $94.95
- Comprehensive Full Tune for $149.95
- Brake bleeds, tubeless conversions, and a la carte services
Stop by a Christy Sports bike service location to learn more.
Should I Rent or Buy a Bike?
If you’re visiting the Rockies or just exploring a new riding style, renting a bike can be a great choice. Christy Sports offers:
- Downhill, trail, and electric bikes
- Kids’ bikes for family outings
- 10 percent off when you reserve online in advance
Renting gives you flexibility without the hassle of maintenance or transportation.
➡️ Reserve your bike rental today
Where Can I Get Expert Bike Services?
Christy Sports provides expert bike tuning, repairs, and rentals across these locations:
Colorado
- Breckenridge Lone Star
- Frisco
- Vail Village
- Vail Lionshead
- The Alpineer – Crested Butte
- Alpineer – Main Street Telluride
- Bootdoctors – Mt. Village Telluride
- Winter Park
Utah
Our technicians are experienced riders and service experts who can help with everything from simple tune-ups to suspension servicing.
Ready to Ride?
Getting your bike ready for the season is the best way to set yourself up for a safe and fun summer of riding. Whether you need a quick tune or a full rental setup, Christy Sports has you covered with expert service and trusted gear.
Last updated: June 13, 2025
