Mountain Biking - Maintenance

I'm new to mountain biking and just got the whole family setup with new bikes. We have been out a few times and they are starting to look pretty dirty.

Just wondering how much I need to clean them? Is washing it down with a hose simply good enough or should the chain come off and be scrubbed etc...

What are the things that I should be giving a deep clean and re-grease to regularly?

Im used to dirtbiking where after every ride it was air filters, grease, change the oil, scrub and soak the chain etc.....

Any help is appreciated.

Also, does anyone have any good resources (books or sites) on how to tune a bike up, particularly adjusting brakes and shifters?

Thanks.

Wash down only the frame with running water. Use a dry cloth to clean the greased parts. If you go and ride in the mud or dust (really really light dirt) you should do a cursory clean after the ride. Also check the frame for hairline fractures when doing this.

A deep clean varrys from state tp state. I do a deep clean weekly otherwise my drive train wouldn't last very long. If you want you drive train to last as long as possible do a clean and relube often. ALSO whenever you change the drive train you will have to change everything (chain, cassette, freewheel (imo), and rear deraileur).

As for sources...you seem to have a good sense of mechanical ability use your common sense. For the first couple of rides take a look at the bikes. See what becomes inneficient quickly. Find out what gunks up the worst and then figure out how to deal with those specifically. :)

Guide to repairing your own schtuff!!: ParkTool (http://www.parktool.com/repair_help/FAQindex.shtml)

When you get home, rinse the bike with water, don't spray them, just let water flow out of the hose.

Fill a bucket with mild detergent. I use Dawn dishwashing. Get two brushes (big) use one for the frame, wheels, handlebars..etc., use the other for the drivetrain. Rinse. Let dry overnight. Lube the chain once it's completely dry! This takes about 15 minutes per bike.

Depending on your conditions and frequency of riding, I do a drivetrain cleansing about every 5th ride. (Dry conditions) every 3rd ride if it's muddy. I have a SRAM POWER LINK (master link for the chain) and I remove the chain and soak it in degreaser. Take a rag or a stiff bristle brush and scrub the chainrings. I have all the tools at home, so I take off my cassette and soak it as well. I then rinse everything with clean water. Let dry overnight, or hit it with the compressor. Re-lube, good to go!

L8R

What lube do you guys use?

There are several good lubes out there. I'm partial to Prolink myself. There are several threads about lubes. Do a search and you should get some good information.

Don't listen to Dirtgrinder..He doesn't ride..:D

Originally posted by fubar5
Don't listen to Dirtgrinder..He doesn't ride..:D
Matt you'd better be careful about what you say. You'll be living right down the road from DG pretty soon and he'll come over and whip your... :D

Originally posted by fubar5
Don't listen to Dirtgrinder..He doesn't ride..:D
What's this roadie doing here again? Think maybe he's wising up and returning to his roots? We can only hope... :D

Originally posted by Dirtgrinder
What's this roadie doing here again? Think maybe he's wising up and returning to his roots? We can only hope... :D

Bad Pun Alert :)