If you don't ride in the winter, you've probably spent the winter months on the couch eating chips and watching television.  Before you know it, spring will be here and a new season of mountain biking  will begin.  Even though your body may not be in  shape, these tips will ensure that your bike is.

Before you take your bike out, check the wear and  tear on your components and adjust them if its  necessary.  Start off with your chain.  If you  haven't replaced it in a year or more, it's time to do so.  Over time, the individual parts in the chain will get worn out, increasing its effective length.

As this happens, the chain is no longer able to  conform to the cog and the teeth of the chain ring,  so it wears those teeth out to fit the profile of  the chain.  If you can replace the chain before it  stretches too much you'll save yourself from having to replace high priced cogs and chain rings.

Now, check the bearing surfaces.  These include your bottom bracket, hubs, and the headset.  Each of these  should turn without a problem with no play in the
system.  Before checking the bottom bracket, make sure each cranking arm is snugged tight.  Next, hold on to the crank arm (not the pedal) and wobble it  back and forth.  If you hear any clicking or if the crank arm binds, the bottom bracket needs to be  adjusted.

Do the exact same thing with your hubs.  Take the wheels off the bike, spin the hub axles, then feel for any free play or binding.  If you feel play or  binding, you need to make an adjustment.  To check  the headset, start off by putting the newly adjusted wheels back on the bike. 

Now, grab the front brake and pull and push the  handle bars back and forth.  There shouldn't be any play.  If you lift the front end off the ground,  the fork should turn very smoothly.  If it feels rough,  it needs to be either adjusted or replaced.

While your looking, check the condition of your cables and housing.  The cables should be rust free and the  housing shouldn't be cracked or kinked.  If you see any of this you should replace the offending device, as if  you don't your shifting and braking will be sluggish.

Last, you should inspect your brake pads.  Most pads will have ridges or indicator marks that will let you know when they need to be replaced.  Brake pads that
are worn out will comprimise both safety and braking efficiency. 

Once you've got the tune ups out of the way, it's time to go for a ride.  With your mountain bike running better than ever, all you have to do now is have fun!

(http://www.bifzacycling.com/tips-sepeda/mountain-bike.html)