Understanding Service Intervals
Many electric-assist systems for bicycles, including Bosch, have an option to set a “service reminder” to show on the computer display, akin to the automobile dashboard light indicators. At G&O we primarily work on Bosch, so we will be focusing on their system here. Let’s dive into some of the questions we get asked on this topic!
What does it actually mean when this service reminder shows up on your bicycle?
It means you have hit the mileage point where the system was set to show you the reminder. The mechanic working on your bicycle during assembly or a service will connect your system to a Bosch certified-dealer software and direct your bicycle at what mileage to show that indicator. So when it comes up, it is time for service, recommended based on how far you have ridden since your last service! Your mileage is shown under the odometer heading on your display, usually marked as “ODO”, and will likely vary from your “trip mileage”.
It is worth noting some Bosch computers -- the ones with internal clocks -- can also be set to show the reminder based on a particular day, for example if you wanted an annual reminder. While we recommend an annual service at minimum, many commuters and carless riders, especially in Seattle, especially on cargo bikes, find themselves in need of service more frequently than once a year, so at G&O we exclusively use the mileage-based timing for the reminder.
Can I keep riding my bicycle when the reminder comes up?
The short answer is yes! The reminder wrench doesn’t actually know anything about the condition of your bicycle. Unlike a car, the system cannot detect if your tire pressure is low, or your hydraulic fluid needs replacing, or if your brake pads are worn. It is merely reminding you to take it back to a mechanic to get that inspection done, and based on average rider conditions, likely it is time for preventative maintenance and replacement of some service parts. No need to immediately panic, but we do recommend reaching out to your local bike shop to schedule an inspection and service.
I’ve made my appointment, can I make it go away now?
Bosch does not offer any user access to the settings, so only a certified Bosch dealer can clear that wrench off your display, which would be the shop you purchased the bike from, or you can locate others through Bosch’s dealer locator tool.
When should I expect it to come up?
Ultimately, it is based on what your mechanic set it for. You may see in your service notes something to indicate what your mechanic chose, like “advanced the service interval to 1250mi”.
Every bike we sell comes with a set 300 mile reminder for your initial “60 day” tuneup, which is an included service with the purchase of a new bicycle from us. After that, it depends a bit on the rider’s needs and the bicycle.
One of our big brands, Riese and Müller, recommends 300 miles, 1250 miles, 2500 miles, 3750 miles, 5000 miles etc for service intervals and we use this as a guideline, though we find in Seattle many riders need more frequent service than that, so we often set it for every 1000 miles for those riders.
What kind of service are you doing at these intervals?
Electric-assist bicycles, like all bicycles and mechanical devices, will require preventative and reparative service over their lifespan. During this service, the systems that compose the bicycle may need tightening and adjustment, like realigning the brakes or adjusting the tension of a derailleur. A package service of all these adjustments is commonly called a “tune-up”.
Additionally, those systems may need components to be replaced. These parts that are designed to wear down over time are commonly called “service parts” or “consumables”, things like brake pads, chains, cables, tires. It is normal and common for many of those service parts to be replaced many times over the life of the bicycle, and how often can depend on a number of factors, like rider behavior, weather and road conditions, weight and speed of the bicycle.
We also will do a system check of the electronics, update the firmware from Bosch, and advance the service reminder to your next interval!
Why does my bike need service more frequently?
Riders of electric-assist bicycles sometimes find their bicycles need more frequent service than they did on non-electric-assist bicycles. A brief overview of some of the other factors that dictate the sorts of wear and tear bicycles experience.
Powerful motors: For e-bikes with chains, you may notice that they will need to be replaced more often than the one on your conventional bike. The motor systems on e-bikes, especially the mid-drives that we sell, put a lot of added strain on your bike chain. The electric assist turns every rider into a very powerful rider!
Frequency of use: Things like the tires, brakes, drivetrain, battery life, are all accumulating wear based on use. Daily riders might struggle to keep their bicycles clean, especially in Seattle where it is wet and the road grit is reapplied with every ride.
Hilly and stop-and-go traffic conditions: These all accelerate wear, especially on the brakes and tires. All that stopping and starting is wearing those systems in only a few number of miles. Conversely, riding a bicycle on a trainer or a flat country road puts relatively little wear on the brakes for the mileage, but can wear out the teeth on the cogs in your favorite gear more rapidly.
Gross vehicle weight: The heavier your kids/cargo get, the more force will be required to stop and start the vehicle, which will accelerate wear. Electric bicycles are generally heavier than their similar use-case non-electric counterparts.
Rider behavior: There are a few key behavior things that are worth mentioning: keeping your bicycle drivetrain lubricated at home will reduce the grit and friction in the systems, as well as being conscientious about keeping your disc brake systems clean and your tires inflated. Shifting through the range and distributing the wear, as well as not shifting under load helps preserve both internal and external drivetrains.
Time: Whether the bicycle is being ridden or not is a factor as well. A few major examples of this: rubber is porous to air, so the tires will need to be reinflated after a few weeks even with no use. The Lithium Ion battery of the electric-assist system is also discharging slowly over time, even with no use. And finally, corrosion of metals in the components and frame is facilitated by salty and damp environments, especially if it is not being ridden.
Do you have more questions on this topic?
Send us an email to service@familycyclery.com or better yet, leave a comment below so others can benefit from being part of the conversation.
Congrats you made it to the end!
It has been a wild time figuring out how to run a bike shop in the reality of this year. Last summer, I (Jace) moved into a new role of “Service Coordinator”, meaning I am working in the shop to make sure projects in the service department have what they need to keep moving as quickly as we can. In this new physically distanced and increasingly digital age, I will be posting regular “Tech Corner” blogs addressing some of the frequently asked questions directed to the service department.
Do you have anything you want to see covered? Let me know! And as always, give us a call to chat, or send us an email to service@familycyclery.com