Reviewing your Yuba is crucial for both your safety and the longevity of your bike. A well-maintained bike will last a long time and provide you with the best riding experience In addition to the basic inspections you can do at home every month (inflating tyres, cleaning and lubricating the chain), we recommend you undertake at least a yearly revision of your bike, and two revisions if you use your Yuba on a daily basis.
These are the key points that a professional should check on your bicycle:
- The electrical system: For electric bikes, have your Bosch or Shimano expert technician check the motor-to-bottom bracket connection at the time of maintenance. If a motor malfunction is detected, your technician will have access to diagnostic software that will instantly identify the origin of the motor failure and the modifications to be made. If an electronic or electrical component has deteriorated and cannot be repaired in the workshop, the motor will be sent back to the manufacturer for further diagnosis. Top-of-the-range manufacturers such as Bosch and Shimano have efficient logistics at their disposal, enabling the problem to be solved quickly. At the end of the check-up, your certified technician will give you a Bosch or Shimano diagnostic report certifying the condition of your motor and battery. At least one update per year must be carried out in the workshop on your electric bike’s system.
- Wheels: The point is to check that your wheel is running smoothly. This is done using a wheel centring stand to check that the rim is not warped and has no jump. If any spokes are bent or broken, they need to be re-tensioned.
- Tires: Check tire pressure and abrasion to maintain good grip. Make sure your tire is not smooth or has no cracks. Tires in good condition = Good grip on the road = Safety
- Brakes: For your safety and the safety of your passengers, it’s essential to keep your brakes well maintained. For the Kombi’s mechanical disc brakes: Check the condition of the cables. For hydraulic brakes: Bleed your brakes at least once a year. Check your brake pads and discs: If their lining is less than one millimetre, you’ll need to change them.If your route is very hilly, we advise you to check your brakes even more frequently.
- Chain and transmissions: The chain should be regularly cleaned and lubricated. Also check the wear of the teeth on your cassette and check the gear shifting. Chain life on an electric longtail bike is around 1,500 km. The length of the chain, the torque of the motor and the loads you’re carrying put a huge strain on it. Gears are unstable or shift badly, and the transmission is noisy when the equipment is too worn. So, if this is the case, the chain needs to be replaced. However, this method does not determine the level of wear. For that, there’s a tool you can use to measure the elongation of your chain: one level at +0.075 mm, the other at +0.1 mm. At the first level, only the chain needs replacing; at the second, at least the chain and cassette need replacing. In principle, a cassette should be changed every two chains, as long as the chain is changed on time.
- Tightening: Make sure all your Yuba’s components are properly articulated and tightened (wheels, stem, handlebars, accessories, etc.).