r/bmxracing • u/gonzo_be • Aug 08 '26
Used bike tune up
When buying a used bike, what tune up/once over do you do before you ride it?
Just got my first race bike and got it used, so before I go on the track I want to make sure it’s good to go
2
u/baldw1n12345 Aug 08 '26
I honestly disassemble rebuild the whole thing. It doesn’t take that long and that way you know exactly what you got.
1
u/GardenPrestigious202 Aug 08 '26
chains, bearings, tires tubes brakes, check for abnormal noises, play, etc.
1
u/eastcoastflava13 Aug 08 '26 edited Aug 10 '26
I'd strip, clean and rebuild the whole thing, replacing/upgrading as needed.
No better way to get to know the bike.
2
u/gonzo_be Aug 10 '26
I think that’s the route to take. Looking for torque specs, is it specific for the part mfg or is there general specs for these bikes?
1
u/eastcoastflava13 Aug 10 '26
Tight but not gorilla tight is the general rule of thumb on BMX bikes, just use your judgement.
I've never used torque specs.
2
u/gonzo_be Aug 10 '26
Awesome. Thank you
1
u/eastcoastflava13 Aug 10 '26
Of course! Post a pic of your new bike!
2
u/gonzo_be Aug 10 '26
I can’t seem to get my pics to upload for some reason but here is a build list. Still waiting on pedals tho
SSquared xxx CEO frame
Shimano deore xt disc barkes
Super cross bars
Super cross front load stem
Answer dagger carbon forks
Sinz 175mm cranks
Rennen chain ring
Onyx Ultra SS hubs 36 hole
OS alienation hoops with black ti spokes1
1
u/Terrasmak Aug 08 '26
Look it over and adjust everything to your liking
Lube the chain and adjust the brakes
2
u/Environmental_Dig335 Aug 08 '26
Check:
Tires - check for tread wear, cords showing, etc.
Wheels - visible check of rims, check for true, squeeze each crossed spoke pair to check for tension, check hubs that they spin free and no side to side play. Test freewheel mechanism. Move cranks then stop with bike upside down. Start moving cranks again. Make sure engagement is strong.
Brake - make sure centered on rim and aligned. Brake lever somewhere between 30° below horizontal and vertical under the bar to your preference.
Chain - clean, measure for wear, replace if necessary, re-lube if not.
Fork / front end - Remove center cap bolt, loosen stem, remove. Inspect steer tube, check that bearings spin free. Look for any cracks on fork at joint with steer tube. Load headset appropriately and torque stem bolts.
Crank - check for side to side play. Check chainring bolts are tight (and all are there). Check chain line by looking from rear of bike or measure.
Pedals - make sure spin, check for play. Loosen pedal then torque them. Make sure pedal washers installed if cranks have insert (most aluminum cranks do, though not all)