So, you finally decided to be more active and bought a high-quality exercise bike to start training. That’s great! However, owning a fitness machine also means knowing how to maintain your exercise bike for longevity.

Exercise bikes are, after all, health investments. You want them to be in tip-top condition for a long time.

With regular cleaning and check-ups, you can train without problems and minimise costly repairs or parts replacement.

To do that, here are a few reminders that you should know.

Table of Contents

Regularly Clean Your Exercise Bike

Dust, sweat, and moisture accumulate in your fitness equipment and can lead to premature defects and a shorter lifespan.

To maintain your exercise bike for longevity, make it a habit to clean it after every workout with the proper tools or cleaning agents.

Follow what your instruction manual suggests.

Focus on areas or bike parts typically exposed to body contact, like the console, saddle, heart rate sensors, and handlebar.

Don’t forget to vacuum your workout area as well.

Also, remember to unplug the machine before cleaning. Our bike cleaning and maintenance schedule might help, too.

Man Vacuuming Exercise Bike Area for Maintenance and Longevity

Practice Cleaning Habits that Prevent Corrosion

Most indoor exercise bike manufacturers recommend using a damp cloth for cleaning.

However, without proper air-drying or wiping, this cleaning procedure may lead to rusting.

So, aside from following the correct cleaning instructions, go the extra mile to ensure you are not exposing your bike to corrosion risks.

Here are a few steps you can do:

  • Wipe down your exercise bike. After cleaning it with a damp cloth, use a dry and absorbent towel to wipe down the entire machine. This habit should also remove fingermarks or water spots from your bike and make its metallic parts shine.
  • Raise the handlebar and seat to their maximum height. This extra step should prevent moisture from trickling down these adjustable components.
  • Set the bike to the lowest resistance level. For manual or friction-based exercise bikes, turn the resistance knob to move the brake pads away from the flywheel. This step should allow trapped moisture inside to evaporate.

Use the Proper Bike Lubricant

Lubricating a chain-drive exercise bike is another way to maintain it for longevity. Some belt-driven bikes also need lubrication every few months.

This procedure lessens friction and allows bike gears to run or rotate smoothly during workouts.

More importantly, proper lubrication reduces the wear and tear of the bike’s moving parts.

It makes the machine last longer plus prevents unnecessary repairs.

However, avoid using any oil or spray you can find. Most manufacturers recommend silicone lubricants.

Make sure you know where and how to apply the lube.

Our indoor bike maintenance tips and tricks article has more details on this.

Fix Potential Problems Promptly

A slight noise or a little malfunctioning episode can quickly turn into a serious (or expensive) bike issue. So, in this case, it pays to be proactive.

Inspect the problem area immediately, and reread your manual for troubleshooting suggestions.

Here are some common problems you’ll likely encounter:

  • Unfamiliar sounds. Strange noises from your indoor cycling bike can come from multiple sources. These are likely from a loose bike part, dirty bearings, or worn-out component. Our article on exercise bike noises can help you assess and tackle this problem further.
  • Malfunctioning console. Check your power cable and ensure you plugged it in correctly. Replace the batteries if applicable, too. If none of this works, consider contacting your service provider.
  • Loose pedals. If the pedals feel unstable, grab your pedal wrench and tighten them. Tighten them in the correct direction.
  • Loose seat and handles. Adjustable bike parts can rock or move when you fail to lock them in properly. Sometimes, unnecessary movement may also be a sign of a worn-out bike seat or handle that needs replacement.
  • Faulty magnetic resistance. Resistance problems may be because of a wiring issue or loose magnets that need realignment. A wobbly flywheel that requires replacement may also be the cause. It’s best to contact the service centre to fix this problem.
Tightening Screws to Maintain an Exercise Bike for Longevity

Get Replacement Parts from Your Bike Maker

It’s always a good idea to go for exercise bikes from established brands or local manufacturers.

That way, after-sales service, optional accessories, and replacement parts are more accessible.

While you can get bike components from third-party makers or suppliers, it’s safer to buy them from the same manufacturer.

Installing exact parts to your exercise bike helps maintain it for longevity. It prevents bike problems from arising or reoccurring, too.

When buying an at-home bike, I suggest browsing its website and checking for replacement part availability and cost.

Compare them with other exercise bike manufacturers to see which one has the best offerings.

Check Your Product Warranty

Playing handyman to fix a bike issue is not ideal when your machine is still within the warranty period.

You might break something or worsen the problem, which may void the manufacturer’s warranty.

So, stay on the safe side. If it’s electronic-related or too complicated to handle, contact the experts and let them solve the problem.

Final Thoughts

Regular cleaning and check-ups are foolproof ways to maintain your exercise bike for longevity.

It’s also best to get a bike from reliable manufacturers with helpful support pages and accessible replacement parts.

There will come a time when your machine needs more than simple cleaning and lubricating, though.

When this happens, avoid attempting to fix complex repairs and let the experts handle them.

With proper use and care, you and your bike will stay in good shape together for many years.

FAQs About Exercise Bike Maintenance and Longevity

1. Can I store my exercise bike outside?

Storing a stationary bike outside is not a good idea. This machine has metal and electronic components that could deteriorate fast when exposed to outside elements and weather changes. Also, outdoor bike storage makes it easier for dust particles to accumulate inside the exercise equipment and wear out moving parts.

2. Do I need a mat under my exercise bike?

Placing a mat under an exercise bike has several benefits. It can protect your machine and floor surface, keep you stable during workouts, and reduce noise. Cleaning up your workout area is easy with one, too.

3. How do I maintain my NordicTrack exercise bike?

Like other models, NordicTrack exercise bikes require regular cleaning, proper storage, and occasional part check-ups. We have listed some common NordicTrack bike issues and solutions in a previous article, too. You can also visit NordicTrack Australia for its Support page and LiveChat feature.

4. What is the average spin bike lifespan?

On average, spin bikes can last up to 10 years. However, some models may have shorter or longer lifespans than this. That’s because several factors can affect machine longevity, such as construction quality and frequency of use.

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