The maintenance of your bicycle must be done at regular intervals depending on how often you use it. It is also necessary to quickly check the bicycle before you go on a ride. More than often you will find screws that are loose or broken and such minor inspections will prevent major inconveniences on the road.
Bicycle maintenance
When we talk about the maintenance of the bicycle it all comes down to the lubrication. As simple as it may sound, it will ensure its proper operation and the least possible wear of the components. Lubrication should be done thoroughly, especially after use in the rain, but not before we carefully clean and wipe the whole bicycle. Here is how to do it part by part:
- Bike chain
The chain of a bicycle transfers the most power and suffers the most wear. It should be lubricated once a week if the bike is used daily. If its use is sparser, there will be less need for lubrication accordingly. After riding in the rain, it is necessary to lubricate the chain. The chain must first be cleaned either with a special cleaner or with soap, water, and a soft brush. Wipe with a cloth to clean and spread the oil while turning the pedal with the other hand. Switching to all gear drives will lubricate the entire system. A few minutes after applying the oil, wipe off the excess oil with a dry, clean cloth.
Clean the rear derailleur parts with a small brush to remove dust and dirt. Lubricate the joints of the moving parts of the derailleur. Wipe off excess oil.
Follow the same procedure as for the rear derailleur.
Carefully clean with a brush and put a few drops of lubricant on the joints. The brake pads should be cleaned with a damp cloth.
- Brake levers
They must be lubricated monthly. After the rain, it surely is required. Pulling it back, lubricate the joints.
- Brake & gear cables
There are several cables on the bike. Over time, the cables dry out internally, reducing the performance of the brakes and derailleurs. Lubricate the cable nests and move the cables back and forth with the gear or brake levers so that the lubricant can move through the cable.
- Quick release (blockage)
Every month or so, we lubricate the quick releases, because when the levers dry they do not work properly, and at the same time we feel them hard, when in fact they are not. If you unscrew the quick release enough to cause it to disassemble completely, make sure you have both springs. When assembling, make sure that the narrow side of the springs is facing inwards.
- Tighten
Thoroughly check the screws for looseness.
- Bike Suspensions
Clean the bike suspension rollers and the seals that are exposed to dust and dirt with a cloth. Lubricate the seals and joints.
Clean the rim profile that comes in contact with the brakes with a damp cloth. If there is a lot of residue from the brakes, use fine sandpaper to rub it off evenly.
Nevertheless, once a year it wouldn’t hurt to take it to a service and get an opinion of a pro even if things are running smoothly.
Here are a few practical and reliable products we strongly recommend for the purpose:
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GJ