Autumn Trails, Autumn Tune-Ups

Autumn Trails, Autumn Tune-Ups

On the mountain bike, hero dirt feels like it was made for carving. Each turn balances slip and grip in a way that keeps you buzzing. On the gravel bike, there’s the simple joy of quiet lanes, café stops, and cake-fuelled rides under trees turning from green to red and orange. The air is cool, vision is easier without the glare of summer sun, and you can ride longer without the fatigue of heat.

The Summer Behind Us

But here’s the thing: summer is hard on bikes. Dry trails eat through tyres, chains grind through endless dust, and suspension quietly racks up the hours. Maybe you’ve felt it — brakes that fade, tyres that don’t bite like they used to, or sealant that’s gone dry without you even noticing.

I’ve just been through my own post-summer servicing rituals. Fresh rotors and Elvedes Metallic Carbon pads on the gravel bike for reliable braking in the wetter weather to come and, on the MTB, new Maxxis High Roller IIIs ready to bite into autumn soil, paired with Muc-Off Big Bore valves for a no-fuss tubeless setup. Small changes, but they make the difference between fighting the trail and flowing with it.

Autumn Bike Maintenance Matters

This is the time of year when a little care goes a long way.

• Brakes that hold steady when the rain falls and the trails glaze with mud.
• Tyres that grip through leaves, roots, and loam. Topping up sealant or swapping to fresh tread now saves rides later.
• Suspension that feels alive again after 50+ hours of summer use. A simple oil change keeps your fork smooth and supple, so you can trust it when the trail asks for more.
• Extra details — cables, bearings, grips are all affected by the heat or dust. They may be small, but they’re what make every ride feel right.

This isn’t just about maintenance. It’s about confidence, flow, and the quiet satisfaction of knowing your bike will match the magic of the season.

Why Autumn Feels Different

I think it’s the way the trails ask more of you — and give more back in return. You lean a little further, trust your tyres a little more, and in return you get grip, colour, and atmosphere that no other season can offer. Each ride has its own pace, with damp soil, scattered leaves, and shifting light making every turn feel fresh.

And it’s the perfect time for a service. At BikeTune, I bring the workshop to your door so you can focus on the good stuff. From MTB suspension servicing to tubeless refreshes and full strip-downs, I’ll make sure your bike is tuned for autumn and beyond.

Ride Into Autumn With Confidence

The industry often calls this a quiet season, but I see it differently. This is the time when bikes — and riders — come alive. Give your bike the attention it needs now, and it’ll carry you smoothly through the months ahead.

So go ride those loamy corners, enjoy the crunch of leaves under your tyres, and don’t let worn parts or tired brakes spoil the season.

👉 Book your autumn bike service here