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06-22-03, 10:38 AM
It looks like the weather Gods were with me today. Despite a 60% chance of rain I decided I'd kept my new bike clean long enough; it was time to get dirty!
I'm new to MTB riding and just purchased a Specialized Hardrock Pro on Friday. Yesterday the rain was simply too heavy and I didn't feel I had enough experience with the bike to take it out in inclement weather. Today, however, was a different story.
I went for a 10 mile ride thorugh Pennypack park here in Philadelphia. The terrain on the main path is rolling and unpaved, perfect for a beginner. The bike handles extremely well and I felt a connection with it almost immediately. The bike shifts very cleanly, and although on several occasions I shifted in the wrong direction, I was able to correct myself quickly and effortlessly while maintaining a steady cadence.
I used the 1/2 mile trek to the park as an opportunity to get accustomed to the clipless pedals/cleats combo. After a few awkward attempts I finally got the hang of it, and I noticed an immediate improvement in over pedalling in sneakers.
When I got home the bike and I were muddy as hell. I washed the wheels and removed them to clean the rest of the bike. I lightly hosed (medium fine spray) the bike down first to remove the loose dirt. I used dishwashing liquid and warm water, being careful not to get water in the suspension boots. Then I used a soft nylon bristle brush to clean the frame and dried the bike with a clean cloth. I then reassembled the wheels, dried and lubed the chain, and that was that.
So there it is - my first ride. Complete with cleaning. :)
I'm not sure if I really have to worry about cleaning the bike in such a manner every time I ride. I'm not anal retentive and I hate obsessing over stuff like that. I know certain things need cleaning and lubing, I just don't know enough yet. I'm going to take a few free classes at my LBS to learn some basic maintenance and repair skills.
Thanks for listening. :)
I'm new to MTB riding and just purchased a Specialized Hardrock Pro on Friday. Yesterday the rain was simply too heavy and I didn't feel I had enough experience with the bike to take it out in inclement weather. Today, however, was a different story.
I went for a 10 mile ride thorugh Pennypack park here in Philadelphia. The terrain on the main path is rolling and unpaved, perfect for a beginner. The bike handles extremely well and I felt a connection with it almost immediately. The bike shifts very cleanly, and although on several occasions I shifted in the wrong direction, I was able to correct myself quickly and effortlessly while maintaining a steady cadence.
I used the 1/2 mile trek to the park as an opportunity to get accustomed to the clipless pedals/cleats combo. After a few awkward attempts I finally got the hang of it, and I noticed an immediate improvement in over pedalling in sneakers.
When I got home the bike and I were muddy as hell. I washed the wheels and removed them to clean the rest of the bike. I lightly hosed (medium fine spray) the bike down first to remove the loose dirt. I used dishwashing liquid and warm water, being careful not to get water in the suspension boots. Then I used a soft nylon bristle brush to clean the frame and dried the bike with a clean cloth. I then reassembled the wheels, dried and lubed the chain, and that was that.
So there it is - my first ride. Complete with cleaning. :)
I'm not sure if I really have to worry about cleaning the bike in such a manner every time I ride. I'm not anal retentive and I hate obsessing over stuff like that. I know certain things need cleaning and lubing, I just don't know enough yet. I'm going to take a few free classes at my LBS to learn some basic maintenance and repair skills.
Thanks for listening. :)