April 07, 2025

How to Restore a Mountain Bike: Bring Your Old Ride Back to Life

Ever looked at your dusty old mountain bike and wondered, “Could I make this ride awesome again?” Good news—you absolutely can. And you don’t need a full rebuild or a mechanic’s degree to do it.

In fact, with a few smart steps and the right gear, you can give your bike a complete refresh—both in looks and performance. We recently brought a beat-up YT Capra back to life, and the results were 🔥. So in this guide, we’ll walk you through how to restore a mountain bike step-by-step, using our process as a real-world example.

If your bike’s been sitting in the corner or feels a little worse for wear, keep reading. You’re about to see what’s possible.

Why Restore Instead of Replace?

Before we dive in, let’s clear this up: you don’t need a brand-new bike to have a great ride.

Bikes are tough. Even if yours is scratched up or a little rusty, most issues can be cleaned up, repaired, or upgraded—often for a fraction of the cost of a new frame. Plus, giving your bike a second life is sustainable, satisfying, and just plain fun.

What We Used: A Real-World Example

We used an old YT Capra as our project bike. It had seen plenty of action—and it showed. Dirty frame, worn grips, scratched-up guards, neglected drivetrain… it was due for some serious love.

🔗 Want to see the full transformation?

Watch the video here:

Step-by-Step: How to Restore a Mountain Bike

Let’s break down the process so you can do the same with your bike, no matter what you ride.

Step 1: Reinflate Your Tires

Start simple. Tires deflate over time—even if you’re not riding.

• Check for cracks or dry rot.

• Inflate to the recommended PSI/BAR on the sidewall.

• If the tires look brittle or worn, consider replacing them.

Why it matters: Properly inflated tires give better grip, smoother rides, and help you avoid pinch flats.

Step 2: Remove Old Gear You Want to Replace

This is your reset moment. Remove anything that’s:

• Worn out

• Damaged

• Just doesn’t spark joy anymore

In our case, that included:

• Old grips (cracked and wornout)

• Previous frame protection

• Old mud guard

Tip: Clean off any leftover adhesive with isopropyl alcohol.

Step 3: Clean the Bike Thoroughly

Next up: give it the love it deserves with a full clean.

You’ll need:

• Soft brushes

• A bike-safe degreaser

• Microfiber towels

Clean the frame, wheels, drivetrain, and any tight corners where dirt builds up.

Pro tip: Pay special attention to the bottom bracket, cassette, and derailleur area. That’s where grime loves to hide.

Step 4: Degrease and Re-Lubricate the Drivetrain

This step is huge. Even if your bike looks clean, an unlubed drivetrain will feel rough and wear out quickly.

• Degrease your chain, cassette, and chainring.

• Dry completely.

• Apply a quality lubricant to the chain.

✨ Launching soon: AMS Miami Blue Lube — designed to keep your drivetrain silent, smooth, and protected.

Stay tuned!

Step 5: Upgrade Key Touchpoints

What do you touch every ride? Your grips, pedals, and saddle.

We installed:

• 🛡️ AMS X Red Bull Rampage Frame Guard & Mud Guard

• ✋ AMS Berm Grips – Rampage Edition

These aren’t just aesthetic upgrades. They’re functional:

• Frame guards prevent scratches and chips

• Mud guards keep you and your bike clean

• Grips give better control and comfort

Step 6: Protect It to Keep It Fresh

After the clean-up and upgrades, it’s time to protect your investment.

AMS frame guards are designed to:

• Keep your frame scratch-free

• Boost resale value

• Add unique style (especially the Red Bull Rampage editions)

Think of this as adding armor to your ride.

Final Results: A Bike That Feels Brand New

The YT Capra went from dusty and dull to fully dialed. With a few hours of hands-on care and smart gear choices, it now looks, feels, and rides like a whole new machine.

You can do the same.

Why This Matters

A bike makeover isn’t just about looks—it’s about confidence. When your bike feels tight, smooth, and yours, it makes every ride better. Plus, restoring instead of replacing is budget-friendly and better for the planet.