Maintenance Caféchaser

Maintenance for your Caféchaser
A little maintenance helps keep your Veloretti riding well for years to come. Below you’ll find a few simple checks you can do yourself. For a full inspection and optimal performance, we recommend a yearly check-up at a professional bike shop.

General maintenance

Before you ride, it’s good practice to give your bike a quick visual check. Look at the frame, fork and handlebars to make sure everything appears straight and undamaged. If something looks unusual or you’re unsure, a bike shop can help assess it.

All mechanical parts experience natural wear over time, this is normal and part of regular use.

If you notice visible damage such as cracks, deeper scratches or a change in how a component looks or feels, the part may need attention or replacement. A professional mechanic can advise you on the safest next steps so your bike stays in reliable riding condition.

Checking for loose parts

Make sure there are no loose parts on your bike. If you notice a bolt or component with play, tighten it accordingly. Pay extra attention to the seatpost, and the bolts on the front and rear wheels, these should always be secure.

Checking your bike chain tension

Your chain shouldn’t be too loose or too tight. The correct tension allows the chain to move about 1 cm up and down when you wiggle it. You can follow this video to learn how to adjust the chain, or visit a local bike shop to make sure the tension is optimised.

It’s important that your chain is fitted correctly. On bikes with coaster brakes (backpedal brakes), a poorly tensioned chain can affect braking performance. Proper adjustment keeps your bike safe and riding smoothly.

Cleaning and lubricating your bike chain
Your chain should be cleaned and lubricated roughly every 50 rides, after every ride in wet conditions, and each time you wash your bike.

To clean the chain, drip a suitable chain cleaner onto a clean, spirit-free cotton cloth and wipe the chain while slowly turning the crank in the direction of travel. Repeat this a few times with a clean section of the cloth until the chain looks clean. After cleaning, apply a small amount of bicycle-specific lubricant to each chain link.

If you prefer, a local bike shop can take care of this for you.