Bike Care!

A word or two on getting the season going.

“What do I need to do to take care of my bike?”  In the bike shop I’m often asked that

“There is a lot you can do, and learn to do, but there are some very basic things that will help your bike to run well, and do so for a long time.  They are:

“Keep your tires properly inflated.

“Keep your bike lubricated.

“Keep your bike clean.

“Store your bike away from the elements.”

Here’s a fast refresher on the fundamentals of home bike maintenance:

Tires:  The inflation range is embossed on the sidewalls of your tires.  Check the inflation before every ride.  Put it in the correct range.  Stay at least 5 to 10 psi below the manufacturer’s maximum recommended inflation value.  (Overinflated tires wear faster, and can fail in drastic fashions.)

Lubrication:  Go and purchase the following:  A good, high quality, semi-dry chain lubricant.  A general, light penetrating lubricant, (NOT  WD-40!!!!!!) such as Boeshield T-9™.  For the chain lube I recommend Rock ‘N Roll.  It comes in three weights for differing conditions and riding styles.

Get some instruction on how to lubricate your chain.  (Rock ‘N Roll, if used correctly will help keep your chain clean as well as lubricated.)

Use the light lubricant (T-9) sparingly, to lubricate derailler and brake pivots.

Cleaning/Washing your bike:

Keep it clean and it’s not hard to clean it.  We see a lot of cases of “Rode hard and put up wet,” at the shop.  Usually these bikes don’t have a lot of wear on them, but the deterioration from corrosion and dirt penetration into mechanical parts is pretty rough.

A fast wipe-down, clean up, and re-lubrication (if necessary), if done immediately after riding, will serve you and your bike well.

(Note to mountain bikers:  A bike encrusted with mud is only a badge of honor for one hour after the ride.  Let the mud stay on it longer than that and you are just neglecting your bike.)

Quick notes on cleaning:

Road Bikes:  A fast wipe down with Simple Green ™ immediately after a ride is a good start.  Wipe wheels and tires down with a clean rag and rubbing alcohol.  A final wide with an oily rag to areas that are subjected to sweat and corrosives is a good idea.  Lube the chain (if necessary) and you are done.

Note:  If you went out in the rain, or got the bike really dirty, see the section below for mountain bikes.

Mountain bikes:  As already stated, sooner is better than later.  Mud is best removed while it is still wet.  However it’s not always possible to clean the bike at the trail head.  If it dries out on the way home, do the following:

Brush the worst of the accumulated mud off.  (Don’t wipe with a rag, that will only scratch your finish.)

Do not turn a hose on your bike.  Never not ever! Hosing the bike down will force muddy water into bearings.  (Remember, there is no such thing as a “sealed” bearing.)

Use a “Two Bucket System.”  One bucket with soapy water, one with rinse water.  Use a rag or sponge to carry water to your bike.  Brush first, then wipe with soapy rag.  Once the bike is clean and soapy, use new, clean rags or sponges and the rinse bucket to carry rinse water to the bike.

Bounce the bike on it’s tires several times to shake the most water off.

Hand dry the bike with clean, lint free shop towels.

Re-lubricate chain and pivots.

Set a Regular Maintenance Schedule:

Most of the things we’ve mentioned should be done on a regular basis.  Some actions should be taken every time the bike is ridden, others need to be performed on a routine basis.  It’s Spring now.  Yes, it’s early, and glorious, and it’s good to be outside and on the bike again.  But as the euphoria level drops a bit, it’s time to re-establish good habits.

Take care of your bike, and it will take care of you.