Raptor Ready: Weekly and monthly checks
5 minutes a week catches most problems before they leave you stranded in the cold.
Why it matters
Most parts on a bike wear out slowly, and winter speeds that up. Spot wear early and it's a quick, cheap fix. Leave it and a worn chain can take the cassette and chainrings with it.
What you'll need
- A track pump with a gauge, for accurate tyre pressure.
- A chain checker, to measure chain wear.
- A torque wrench or torque driver, for tightening bolts on carbon to the right value.
- The Shimano E-TUBE PROJECT app, to check your Di2 battery.
Quick checks
| Check | How often | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | Every ride | Pressure, and any flint, glass or cuts |
| Di2 battery | Weekly | Charge level; the cold drains it faster |
| Brake pads | Weekly | About 1 mm of pad left, squealing or a soft lever |
| Chain | Monthly | Replace at 0.5% wear |
| Bolts | Monthly | Stem, bars and seatpost at the torque marked on each part |
| Frame and wheels | Monthly | Cracks, chips or deep scratches |
How to do each check
Tyres
Pump to your usual pressure with a track pump, then spin each wheel slowly and look for anything stuck in the tread. Pick out flint or glass with a small pick or your fingernail.
Di2 battery
Open the E-TUBE PROJECT app to see the charge level. Charge it if it's below half, especially before a long ride.
Brake pads
Take the wheel out and look into the calliper from above. If the pad material is down to about 1 mm, or the brakes squeal or the lever pulls further than usual, it's time for new pads.
Chain
Drop the chain checker into the chain. If the 0.5% side sits flat into the links, the chain needs replacing. Changing it at this point saves your cassette and chainrings.
Bolts
Every carbon part has its torque value printed next to the bolt, usually in Nm. Set your torque wrench to that number and check the stem, bars and seatpost. Never tighten carbon by feel.
Frame and wheels
With the bike clean, look over the frame, fork and rims, especially under the down tube and after any fall. Any crack or deep chip in the carbon needs checking by a mechanic before you ride again.
When to get it checked
- Soft brakes, squealing pads, or lube on the pads
- Gears that won't shift cleanly after a clean
- Any crack or chip in the carbon
- Grinding, clicking or play in the wheels, headset or cranks
- A chain at 0.5% wear
Raptor owners, get in touch with our sales team and we'll get your bike into The Workshop.
FAQs
How long does a chain last?
It depends on the miles and the weather, and winter wears chains faster. That's why checking monthly matters more than counting miles.
Do I really need a torque wrench?
For carbon, yes. Too loose and parts slip, too tight and you can crack the bar, stem or seatpost. A torque driver takes the guesswork out.
The Workshop, Barnes
Raptor owners get expert servicing at The Workshop, including 3 free services in their first year. Questions about your bike? Our sales team is here to help.
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