Bicycle Mechanics - Bike maintenance I shouldn't neglect?

So I'm sure it is time to do some kind of oil/grease lubing on my bike. I have never done this to my bikes before; now that I'm riding it at least 15 miles every weekday I'm sure it's nothing I should put off. So what are all the bike parts I need to lube up, and what brand of lubes should I get? Also, maybe there is some other maintenance that needs to be done that I'm unaware of?

One more thing, my back derailleur shifting is delayed, its REALLY annoying. It has been like this since I got it (4 months ago). What could I do to fix it?

A starting point:

The basic maintenance:

http://www.jimlangley.net/wrench/basicbikecare.html

The rear derailleur adjustment:

http://sheldonbrown.com/derailer-adjustment.html#rear

Good luck!

In addition to the web sites posted, Zinn's book on bike maintainence should tell you all you need to know.
http://www.amazon.com/Zinn-Art-Road-Bike-Maintenance/dp/1931382697/ref=sr_1_1/105-5705165-0896424?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1180952380&sr=8-1

when you find your chain exceeds the normal stretch limitations; will it take very long before damage is done to the teeth on your gears. ?

when you find your chain exceeds the normal stretch limitations; will it take very long before damage is done to the teeth on your gears. ?

The damage is done once your chain has exceeded normal stretch limitations. Chainrings generally aren't affected until the chain is really bad, but cogs can wear out quickly with stretched chains. Everything you could possibly want to know is here: http://www.sheldonbrown.com/chains.html.

My chain tool just showed it's at the stretch limit. Teeth still don't look pointed. That is the clue to damaged cogs? I have to address the chain pronto.The bike is still shifting normally.

Cleaning and lubricating the chain is probably the most frequent maintenance job, other than keeping the tires inflated. Next would come spraying the derailleurs with a solvent to wash away grit and gunk, then adding a bit of lubrication. Lubricate the cables at the ends of the sheathing a little. Adjusting cables for stretch would probably be next. Once every year or two you could clean and lubricate bearings: wheels, bottom bracket, pedals, headset. The exception would be if any of these are sealed bearings. Check spokes frequently for looseness and true the wheels as needed. Replace brake pads when worn. Periodically replace the cables. As noted above, replace the chain every couple thousand miles. Drip a little oil onto the cassette where it turns against its hub and let the oil soak in. I have done these things and less, but my 40 year old bike still hums as nicely as ever.

My chain tool just showed it's at the stretch limit. Teeth still don't look pointed. That is the clue to damaged cogs? I have to address the chain pronto.The bike is still shifting normally.
The damage doesn't have to be obvious, and in your case won't be. Just replace the chain and go about your business. If no amount of adjustment will get it to shift well, they start worrying about the cassette.

Btw, to offer equal time, there is a school of thought that says you should keep using the chain well past it's "wear limit", then replace the cassette along with the chain.

DMF. Took the bike by a shop today. I have had both casettes on a long time. Some teeth are pointed. They recommended I change the entire rear cluster and one large chain ring, of course along with the chain. It has plenty of miles on it. Guess, I can't compalin. Will change out all that for ninety dollars.

Yeah, so, I wasn't sure what brand/kind of lubs to use, so I figured I would go with the ol' tried and true WD-40; you just can't go wrong with WD-40! I gave a heavy spraying to ever single moving part on my bike. I had enough left over in the can to do the same to my mom and dads Portland Trek bikes! I even convinced my neighbor to let me do his new Fisher Mendota, he insisted on paying me but I couldn't take his money. I told him I enjoyed doing it so much that I should pay him! They were really please to say the least!!! He is going to let me do his wife's Fisher Marlin tomorrow. It sure is fun working on all these nice quality bikes! ........lol I'm just messin' with you guys/gals, I just could resist. I know better not to use WD-40 on a bike. But on a more Serious side, what brands of lubes do you trust the most to use on your bikes?

It's not the brands, it's what's in the bottle. See nearby threads for discussion.

My chain tool just showed it's at the stretch limit. Teeth still don't look pointed. That is the clue to damaged cogs? I have to address the chain pronto.The bike is still shifting normally.


Pardon bringing back this thread but I'm a newbie concerning chain maintenance. How does the chain tool detect chain stretch? From what I understood @ sheldonbrow a ruler detects chain stretch. The chain tool allows pushing the link pins in and out. How can I use it to detect chain stretch?

Thanks

A chain tool doesn't "detect stretch". There are chain gages that do it without the need to measure.

Yeah, so, I wasn't sure what brand/kind of lubs to use, so I figured I would go with the ol' tried and true WD-40; you just can't go wrong with WD-40! I gave a heavy spraying to ever single moving part on my bike. I had enough left over in the can to do the same to my mom and dads Portland Trek bikes! I even convinced my neighbor to let me do his new Fisher Mendota, he insisted on paying me but I couldn't take his money. I told him I enjoyed doing it so much that I should pay him! They were really please to say the least!!! He is going to let me do his wife's Fisher Marlin tomorrow. It sure is fun working on all these nice quality bikes! ........lol I'm just messin' with you guys/gals, I just could resist. I know better not to use WD-40 on a bike. But on a more Serious side, what brands of lubes do you trust the most to use on your bikes?

:o I used to WD-40 anything on a bike that looked like it might move, when I was a kid. The bike would work wonderful for a day, then suck even worse than before, and I could never figure out why...