Off‑Season Checklist: Equipment Maintenance
The off‑season is the perfect time to reset your equipment, repair the wear and tear of race season, and set yourself up for smooth, stress‑free winter training. A little attention now can save you money and keep your training consistent.
Here’s a few tips and tricks from around the community – broken down into Swim, Bike, Run.
✔ SWIM CHECKLIST
Wetsuit:
- Repair any small rips and tears before winter open‑water season ramps up. Those tiny nail nicks expand quickly – fix them now with neoprene cement or a professional repair.
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Check seams and panels for stretching or separation.
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Lubricate zips with silicone to prevent sticking. This is especially important if you are putting the wetsuit away until next race season.
Goggles & Accessories
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Replace scratched or fogging lenses.
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Check straps for cracking
✔ BIKE CHECKLIST
Full Post‑Season Service
A professional service now is worth its weight in gold. Not sure what to ask for, here were the top tips.
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Drivetrain deep clean
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Cassette + chain wear check
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Brake pad inspection (rim or disc)
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Gear indexing
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Bottom bracket + headset check
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Tyre condition
Swap Race Wheels → Winter Training Wheels
Protect your investment and store your race wheels. We know they look and feel great, but swapping to training wheels that are designed to handle a grit and rain, has the double benefit of keeping your race wheels intact but also making you feel even faster when they go back on 🙌🏽
Tyres & Tubes
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Replace worn tyres before winter – wet roads punish old rubber.
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Consider a heavier, puncture‑resistant winter tyre.
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Check sealant if running tubeless (it dries out faster than you think).
Drivetrain Health
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Replace your chain if it’s stretched (most need it every 2,000–3,000 km).
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Clean and lube regularly – winter training is harsher on components. Don’t skip the post-ride clean!
Contact Points
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Check bar tape for wear and replace if needed.
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Inspect saddle rails and seatpost for cracks or slipping.
Electronics
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Update firmware on head units, power meters, and trainers.
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Replace any batteries.
✔ RUN CHECKLIST
Retire Worn Shoes
Most running shoes last 500–800 km depending on the model and your biomechanics. Check for:
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Compressed foam
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Uneven wear
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Loss of bounce
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Hot spots or new niggles
If in doubt, replace – worn shoes are one of the biggest contributors to injury.
Build Your Winter Rotation
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Base training shoes for easy miles
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Lightweight trainers for tempo sessions
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Trail or wet‑weather shoes if you run off‑road in winter
Socks & Accessories
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Replace worn socks (blister prevention).
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It’s not maintenance but check your Winter run gear including – headlamps, reflective gear, and winter layers.
✔ BONUS: MULTISPORT MAINTENANCE
Indoor Trainer Setup
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Calibrate and service your smart trainer
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Replace trainer tyre (if using a wheel‑on setup)
Race Kit & Accessories
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Inspect tri suit zips and seams
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Replace worn elastic in race belts
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Check hydration systems for mould
Got any extra equipment maintenance tips to share. Be sure to add them to the comments section on our socials.
