Questions about maintenance

You don’t get standard services with your KOGA bike. This is up to the KOGA dealer, who sets how many after-purchase services are included with your bike.

With regard to the maintenance and safety of your bike, there are a number of things you can keep an eye on yourself.

For your own safety, you should check the following on a regular basis:

• Check all nuts and bolts - in particular quick-release mechanisms on wheels - are tightened securely.
• Check the handlebars and handlebar stem for signs of damage.
• Test the brake operation by checking whether you can stop within a few metres when cycling at a normal speed.
• Check that the tyre pressure does not exceed the maximum pressure marked on the tyre.
• Check the tyre tread and ask your dealer if the tyres look worn.
• Check that the lighting and indicators are working properly and are not obstructed. Wipe clean them regularly with a dry cloth.
• Check the handlebar grips for wear and make sure they are tight.
• For bikes with rear suspension, check that all screws on the suspension parts are tight. There must be no play in the bearings.

Checking these items and performing your own maintenance on them is not always straightforward. For this reason KOGA recommends arranging for your KOGA dealer to service your bike at least once a year.

You can also consult the instruction manual that came with your bike.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to have your bike repaired directly by KOGA. The KOGA dealer is there for servicing and repairs. If there are any defects or warranty issues, the dealer will contact us.

Regular cleaning of your chain is essential. Use a special chain cleaner or lukewarm water and a brush. Your KOGA dealer will also be able to recommend a number of tools.

It is important to lubricate the chain after cleaning. For example, Teflon-based lubricants penetrate the chains really well and do not attract a lot of dirt.

Although a worn chain can cause problems, it’s hard to tell when to replace it. This is because the wear process depends on the chain, riding style, maintenance and the conditions in which you cycle. Sometimes a chain can last for 1000 kilometres, at other times it could last as long as 7000 kilometres. Your KOGA dealer can tell you whether your chain is actually worn.

Often only the rear sprockets need to be replaced because these are where a worn chain causes most damage. The might even be necessary after just 500 kilometres. Because the chain on the rear sprocket only runs over a few teeth, the force of the chain is concentrated much more here than it is on the chain wheel. This means the rear sprocket wears out sooner than the chain wheel.

This varies from person to person. For instance, it depends on how you ride, whether or not the tyre is inflated to the right pressure, and whether or not you cycle with luggage. The supplier cannot give a guideline for the number of kilometres your tyres will last because too many factors affect the process of wear and tear. Keep an eye on the tyre tread and whether any hairline splits appear in the walls. By replacing the tyres in time you’ll avoid getting punctures.

The puncture protection on your bike tyres may consist of a special tread on the outside or a special inner layer. With these tyres, your chance of getting a puncture will be reduced considerably. Nevertheless, nails and glass are so sharp that they can still penetrate the protective layers. Your tyre pressure is important too. The chances of getting flat tyre are lowest when your tyres are inflated to the right pressure.

This varies from tyre to tyre. Each type of tyre has its own maximum pressure. This has to do with the size of the tyre and its intended purpose. The maximum permitted pressure is shown on the wall of every tyre. You can buy a bicycle pump fitted with a pressure gauge from most bike shops. Keeping the tyres properly inflated will prevent unnecessary punctures and wear and tear, and make pedalling lighter.

KOGA is not involved in any arrangements made between dealers and their customers, including services. However, you can check with another local KOGA dealer to find out if they can help you.

It is important to remove any sand, especially from the toothed side of your bike’s drive belt. This can be done with lukewarm water and some detergent if required. Although the belt can also be lubricated with dry silicon spray, it is not necessary.

• If you ride your bike when there is salt on the road, it is best to rinse it off with cold water afterwards. To prevent corrosion, the use of hot water is not recommended.
• Keep your bike clean and use acid-free Vaseline or silicone spray on any parts that are prone to corrosion.
• If the paintwork is damaged, repair it with a touch-up pen.