Bicycle Mechanics - General Maintenance Regimen?

New to road-biking, and would like to keep the new baby (Felt F55) looking and riding like new. Any suggestions from the veteran riders on how to best care for and maintain the bike? cleaning products used? etc? any ideas would be greatly appreciated!
thanks,
-Zev

Keeping your drive train clean is the best place to start.

I use the Finishline chain cleaner on my chain. I also remove my wheel and run a rag between each cog and keep the drailleur and pulleys clean. Less wear on the components when they are cleaned regularly.
Depending the amount of riding and in what conditions, will determine how often this should be done. And which lube to use after the cleaning. I use dry lube only because it attracks less dirt and I don't ride in bad weather.

Search the mechanics forum for lubes and other such neccessities. Some on here frown on another thread asking about lubes.

I use all finishline products but park and pedros has fine stuff also.

If you take your bike to your LBS, I would take it in after the first 15 hours of riding (break in period) for its check up, than once a year after that. Drop it off during the off season for your yearly check up.(you get a more thorough job when the mechanics are bored)

Also check out http://sheldonbrown.com/ for more info on maintainance and upkeep.

Funny, I just had this discussion with a bicycling friend of mine a week ago.

He keeps careful track of each of his bikes mileage and lubes or replaces everything on a mileage basis. I lube my chain when it starts to make noise.

I'm thinking that you would rather have my friend's answer than mine.

Does your friend happen to be an aviation mechanic? :D

Don't lube your chain and freewheel with anything oily. It will collect sand, dirt and other grit and cause wear. Instead, completely clean both freewheel and chain, then apply one of the wax "lubes" like Pedro's Ice Wax.

After each ride, I take an old cloth, back pedal the crank and wipe the chain down thoroughly...then apply a new coat of Wax Lube. The next day, and each day, you will shift quietly.

After each ride, I spray and wipe the frame (derailleurs too) down with any good quality product. I like stuff that puts a little rust prevention into the equation. By doing this, I'm getting any salt (from my perspiration or the road) off the bike.

what are some examples of "good quality product" ? any to stay away from?
thanks!
-z

You can wipe down a frame with WD-40 sprayed on a rag. Don't spray it on the bike directly. You don't want to hit any greased things with something that pushes out grease.

Lemon Pledge does a nice job. Pedro's Bike Lust does a good job.