Pro Mechanic Bike Care Tips

Bike Care - Pro Tips

So, you have your shiny new bike or perhaps an older, trusted companion. Whether you are new to cycling or have been riding for years, proper bike maintenance is crucial to ensure your bike’s longevity and performance. Over nearly two decades in the workshop, we've gathered a wealth of knowledge and seen a wide array of issues. Here are some essential tips to keep your bike in top shape. The image below might look like a happy face but it's evidence of bike maintenance gone bad, it's actually a hydraulic disc brake that has worn to the metal - not good! Let's avoid that!

Bike Care Products

You've probably noticed those buckets of bike care products at major bike/car/camping stores. They usually include a brush, sponge, lube, degreaser, and a pink bike cleaning liquid detergent. Sometimes, these products might even come as a gift from a well-meaning loved one. Be cautious with these products!

Many of those pink solutions are very effective at cleaning, perhaps too effective. Some even contain caustic soda, which can remove grease (not ideal for a bike's moving parts) and strip paint off decals. Applying such a solution indiscriminately can do more harm than good. Therefore, it’s best to avoid these harsh chemicals.

Instead, opt for bike-specific lubes as they are designed to resist water and rain better than general oils. Use bike degreasers sparingly; general-purpose degreasers are often just as effective and more affordable.

Cleaning

The ideal way to clean your bike is to simply wipe it down regularly. After cleaning, spray a bit of GT85, WD40, or JL69 onto a clean cloth and wipe over the frame and components. This will make future cleaning easier as dirt will be less likely to stick.

If your bike is particularly dirty, start by wetting it to allow the dirt to loosen. Then, use a low-pressure hosepipe or a bucket of soapy water, taking care not to get detergent into moving parts such as wheel bearings, headset bearings, bottom bracket bearings, and motor bearings. Avoid using a pressure washer as it can force dirt and water into bearings, causing damage. If you must use a pressure washer, stand several paces back to reduce the pressure.

Water alone is not enough for two critical areas: the chain/drivetrain and braking surfaces. For the drivetrain, use a proprietary degreaser. Pour some degreaser into an old jar or tin, dip an old toothbrush into the solution, and scrub the chain and cassette. Rinse the residue off the drivetrain and dry it with an old towel. For braking surfaces, whether rim or disc, use a few drops of washing-up liquid on a clean, damp cloth to wipe the inside and outside of the brake disc or rim brake surface. Repeat until clean.

Lubrication

Using bike-specific lube is preferable as it is designed to resist water and doesn't gum up as easily as general oils. For disc brake bikes, use liquid lube rather than spray lube to prevent overspray from contaminating the brake pads. If you must use spray lube, apply it to the chain at the front end of the drivetrain, away from the rear disc. Always wipe off any excess lube with kitchen towel or a cloth.

Periodically, remember to lubricate your jockey wheels to prevent your bike from sounding like there's a mouse squeaking in your gears. The jockey wheels are the two cogs at the lower end of the rear derailleur through which the chain passes.

Tyres

Check your tyres before each ride for any gashes that could cause a high-speed blowout, which can be dangerous. Also, check tyre pressures regularly. Rubber is naturally porous and will lose air over time. You can check tyre pressure by feel or use a gauge or track pump with a gauge. Tubeless tyres, in particular, can lose pressure more quickly. Low tyre pressures in tubed tyres can lead to pinch/impact punctures, unnecessary drag, and poor handling.

Battery Maintenance

If you have an electric bike, maintaining the battery is crucial. Electric bike batteries and electric shift batteries are lithium-ion. To prevent battery failure, ensure that your batteries are at least 40% charged if your bike is not in use for an extended period, such as during the winter.

Low Maintenance Bike Options

While regular cleaning is unavoidable, there are bike options that can reduce the maintenance burden. Carbon fibre belt drives, paired with an internal hub gear, eliminate the need to clean and oil the drivetrain. These systems are mechanically less efficient than conventional derailleur systems but on e-bikes, this inefficiency is offset by the electric assist. Hub gears typically offer a smaller ratio range than derailleurs, but this is often not an issue on e-bikes, especially the more powerful ones.

How about one of these Riese & Muller Charger 4 bikes for the ultimate in low maintenance?

Bike Purchase and Handover

At Cheshire Bikes, we go through all of the above and more during our comprehensive handover of new bikes. Along with our sister company Peak cyclesport, we have handed over more than 4000 bikes over the years, ensuring that our customers are well-informed about maintaining their new purchase.

Detailed Cleaning Routine

Let's delve deeper into a more detailed cleaning routine to keep your bike in pristine condition:

1. Initial Rinse: Begin by rinsing your bike with a low-pressure hose or a bucket of water. This initial rinse helps to remove loose dirt and grime. Avoid using high-pressure water jets as they can force water into sensitive areas and damage seals and bearings.
2. Degrease the Drivetrain: Focus on the drivetrain, which includes the chain, cassette, and chainrings. Use a degreaser specifically designed for bikes. Apply the degreaser generously and let it sit for a few minutes to break down the accumulated grease and dirt. Use a brush or a toothbrush to scrub the drivetrain thoroughly. Rinse with water.
3. Clean the Frame and Components: Use a bucket of soapy water and a sponge or soft brush to clean the frame and components. Pay special attention to areas where dirt and grime accumulate, such as the bottom bracket, fork, and rear triangle. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that can damage the bike’s finish.
4. Clean the Wheels and Tyres: Remove the wheels from the bike to clean them thoroughly. Use soapy water and a brush to clean the rims, spokes, and tyres. Check the tyres for any embedded debris, such as glass or sharp stones, which could cause punctures. Inspect the brake pads for wear and replace them if necessary.
5. Clean and Inspect the Brakes: For rim brakes, use soapy water and a brush to clean the brake pads and rims. For disc brakes, use a dedicated disc brake cleaner to clean the rotors and pads. Inspect the brake pads for wear and replace them if needed. Ensure that the brakes are functioning correctly and adjust them if necessary.
6. Final Rinse and Dry: Give your bike a final rinse with clean water to remove any soap residue. Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe down the frame and components. Pay attention to areas where water can accumulate, such as the bottom bracket and headset.
7. Lubricate the Drivetrain: After cleaning, it’s essential to lubricate the drivetrain. Apply a suitable bike-specific lubricant to the chain, cassette, and chainrings. Wipe off any excess lubricant with a cloth to prevent dirt from sticking.
8. Check and Adjust: Once your bike is clean and dry, take the opportunity to check for any loose bolts or components. Tighten any loose bolts and make any necessary adjustments to the brakes, gears, and other components.

Routine Maintenance Tips

In addition to regular cleaning, here are some routine maintenance tips to keep your bike in top condition:

1. Check Tyre Pressure: Regularly check and maintain the correct tyre pressure. Under-inflated tyres can lead to poor handling and increased rolling resistance, while over-inflated tyres can reduce traction and comfort.
2. Inspect the Chain: Regularly inspect the chain for wear and stretch. A worn chain can cause poor shifting and accelerated wear on the cassette and chainrings. Use a chain wear indicator tool to check the chain’s condition and replace it if necessary.
3. Check Brake Pads: Inspect the brake pads regularly for wear. Worn brake pads can reduce braking performance and damage the rims or rotors. Replace the brake pads if they are worn beyond the manufacturer’s recommended limit.
4. Check and Adjust Gears: Ensure that your gears are shifting smoothly and accurately. If you notice any issues with shifting, such as hesitation or skipping, check the cable tension and adjust the derailleur accordingly. If necessary, take your bike to a professional mechanic for a thorough tune-up.
5. Inspect Bearings: Check the headset, bottom bracket, and wheel bearings for smooth operation. If you notice any roughness or play, it may be time to service or replace the bearings.

Seasonal Maintenance

In addition to routine maintenance, some tasks should be performed seasonally to keep your bike in optimal condition:

1. Winter Maintenance: During the winter months, your bike is exposed to harsher conditions, such as rain, snow, and road salt. It’s essential to clean and lubricate your bike more frequently to prevent corrosion and damage. Consider using fenders to protect your bike and yourself from road spray. Store your bike in a dry, sheltered location to prevent rust and damage.
2. Spring Tune-Up: As the weather improves in spring, it’s a good time to give your bike a thorough tune-up. Check the condition of the tyres, brake pads, chain, and cables. Lubricate the drivetrain and ensure that all components are functioning correctly. Consider taking your bike to a professional mechanic for a comprehensive tune-up.
3. Summer Riding: During the summer months, your bike may be exposed to dust, dirt, and high temperatures. Regularly clean and lubricate your bike to prevent wear and tear. Check the condition of the tyres and ensure that they are properly inflated. Pay attention to the condition of the brake pads and replace them if necessary.
4. Autumn Maintenance: As the weather starts to cool down in autumn, it’s essential to prepare your bike for the upcoming winter. Clean and lubricate your bike thoroughly to remove any dirt and grime accumulated during the summer. Check the condition of the tyres, brake pads, and drivetrain. Consider using a thicker lubricant to protect your bike from moisture and corrosion during the colder months.

Advanced Maintenance Tips

For those who want to delve deeper into bike maintenance, here are some advanced tips:

1. Wheel Truing: Over time, your wheels may become out of true, causing wobbling and uneven braking. Learn how to true your wheels using a spoke wrench and a truing stand. Alternatively, take your wheels to a professional mechanic for truing.
2. Suspension Maintenance: If your bike has suspension forks or a rear shock, regular maintenance is essential to keep them performing optimally. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for servicing intervals and procedures. This may include cleaning and lubricating the suspension components, replacing seals, and adjusting the air pressure or damping settings.
3. Hydraulic Brake Bleeding: If your bike has hydraulic disc brakes, they may require periodic bleeding to remove air bubbles and ensure consistent braking performance. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for bleeding your brakes or take your bike to a professional mechanic for this service.
4. Cable Replacement: Over time, cables can stretch and wear, leading to poor shifting and braking performance. Learn how to replace and adjust the brake and shift cables on your bike. This can be a complex task, so consider seeking assistance from a professional mechanic if you’re unsure.
5. Bottom Bracket and Headset Service: The bottom bracket and headset are critical components that require regular maintenance. Learn how to service and replace these components if necessary. This may involve removing the crankset, cleaning and lubricating the bearings and reassembling the components.

Conclusion

Proper bike maintenance is essential for ensuring a smooth, safe, and enjoyable ride. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspection of your bike’s components will extend its lifespan and improve its performance. Whether you’re a casual rider or a seasoned cyclist, taking the time to care for your bike will pay off in the long run.

Remember, if you’re ever unsure about a maintenance task, don’t hesitate to seek assistance from a professional mechanic. At Cheshire Bikes and Peak cyclesport, we’re always here to help you with any questions or concerns you may have. Happy riding!