Listen, if you want that bike humming like a well‑tuned engine, stick to a few solid rules. First, oil every 500 miles or after any big run—never skip it. Check the filter, change it if it’s dirty. Second, keep the chain clean and properly lubricated, tighten it to the spec on the frame. Third, watch the brakes; replace pads when the travel feels off, and bleed the system if it starts to feel spongy. Fourth, keep the tires at the right pressure, check the tread, and swap them when they’re worn. And finally, give the bike a quick visual check every time you pull it in—look for leaks, loose bolts, any signs of wear. Skip any of those steps and you’ll find yourself in the shop again sooner than you’d like.