It’s worthwhile getting to know how your bike works and how to complete some basic maintenance on it, it will save you money in the long term, as well as enabling you to spend more time riding it, than fixing it!
Quite often I see bikes come in which have been neglected, or just have not been used for a while which need a fair bit of time being spent on them before their ready to hit the road or trails. However with a few simple tasks, you can keep your bike in great shape, so you can always rely on it. Lets put it this way if you owned a car would you never clean it, put air in the tyres, check the oil, screen wash or top up the fluids? if the answer is no, then why would your bike be any different?
Washing and Cleaning!
A clean bike is a happy bike, you don’t need loads of gear to clean your bike, a bucket filled with warm soapy water (we recommend using a bike specific or car shampoo, avoid using washing up liquid as they could contain salts and other chemicals which have been known to cause damage and corrosion), sponge and a stiff brush which can get into those hard to reach areas can work wonders.
If the bike has been standing around for a while and dirt has dried on, start by spraying it with water to loosen the dirt, avoid using high pressure as this will forces dirt and water into the bike causing damage to bearings and many other parts.
Using a bike specific degreaser such as Muc-Off Nano Tech Bike Cleaner, spray liberally over the bike these tend to loosen the dirt, muck and oils, making the task of cleaning easier, give the degreaser a few minutes to work, as it needs to break down dirt and oils.
After you have done this fill a bucket of warm water and with your stiff brush frequently dip your brush in the water and use the brush to agitate and loosen the dirt, keep doing this frequently until the worst has been removed.
Once you have completed this, you can move on to the next step which is to focus on the drivetrain, which is the gears, chainset, and chain. Spray the chain liberally with degreaser (chain specific ones like Muc-Off Bio Chain Cleaner or Bio Drivetrain Cleaner are better, as they are better equipped to breakdown the oils and grease), if you have an old water bottle cut the top off it and pop some chain degreaser in the bottle, and using a stiff brush and/or a small paint brush work the degreaser in to the chain and gears to loosen all the oil and dirt, after you have done this rinse off warm water, and if the drivetrain is still mucky repeat the process. Once you have done this and you drivetrain looks clean grab an old sponge or cloth and pop some chain degreaser on it, after you have done this hold the sponge or cloth around the chain and rotate the chainset so the chain runs through the sponge or cloth. after you have done this give it a final rinse, and then spray the frame with a water dispersant such as Muc-Off MO94.
Lubrication
This is the next step after cleaning, we recommend giving the frame & moving parts a light spray of water dispersal spray (being sure to avoid braking areas such as rim, brake pads and discs), not only does it disperse water, but it also protects against corrosion. Be sure to wipe any excess of with a cloth or rag. After you have done this then add a drop or two of oil to any pivot points or moving parts, such as brake caliper pivots, front and rear derailleur pivots, cables, etc. Once you have done this add a little oil to the chain, avoid coating the chain liberally, as too much does more harm than good, and makes the task of cleaning in the future hard work. Essentially you only need to add a drop or two to each roller of the chain, pop your bike into its highest gear this in normally the largest on the front and smallest on the rear, while rotating the cranks anti clockwise, add a drop of oil to the lower rollers, continue to rotate the cranks for a few revolutions after you have oiled the chain, allow time for the oil to work into the rollers, then lightly wipe the sides of the chain with a cloth to remove any excess.
Polishing & waxing
The next step is polishing and waxing, this adds protection to the paintwork and finish of the bike, and makes it more difficult for dirt to stick to the bike which makes cleaning easier next time round. Start at the top of the bike and work your way down.
Frequency and Storage
It is recommended that you have a regular cleaning routine, as it makes the process of cleaning quicker and easier, as well as allowing you to spot any issues or damage to the bike, avoid storing the bike while wet or dirty, or outside in all weathers. If you can store it in a dry secure location when not in use, or cover it with a breathable waterproof cover and lock it securely to an immovable object.
Punctures and Roadside Repairs
Try practicing how to remove and replace a tube. Learning how to do this, you will be prepared for it before it happens, so while you have a moment at home on practice getting the tyre on and off the wheel, so that you are familiar with the process. Be sure carry a pump, a spare inner tube, some patches (glue less ones are best as there is no need for glue and the drying, glue type patches , when you can repair the tube at home). Carry a MiniTool these are great as they normally contain everything you need to tighten loose bolts, adjust screws or fix a chain.
Other helpful resources
Park Tools are probably the most well know manufacturer of bicycle tools, we use many of their products when we are fixing, repairing and servicing your bikes! visit their website where you can access lots of useful tips and advice. https://www.parktool.com/en-int/
We are an official retailer for Muc-Off and they have supported us since we started out business, they have loads of information and advice on bike care and maintenance, and explain in detail how to use their products. https://muc-off.com/pages/how-to-hub
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