Routine Maintenence?
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Routine Maintenence?
hey everyone, lately i've just been riding about 4 days a week for about 30 miles a day just for fun and enjoyment. I just joined my college cycling team and was wondering what routine maintenence i should keep up with???
back at home my LBS does it for free and i just took it in every other week on one of my rides.
At college i could bring my bike back home (its only a 2 hour drive) and get it all done on the weekends, but i figure its a good thing for me to learn to do this on my own. As a member of hte cycling club i get access to the whole shop so i can use all the oil, tools, stands and whatever i need.
So what should i be checking up on and how often??? I'm going to be riding 30-50 miles 5+ days a week now.
back at home my LBS does it for free and i just took it in every other week on one of my rides.
At college i could bring my bike back home (its only a 2 hour drive) and get it all done on the weekends, but i figure its a good thing for me to learn to do this on my own. As a member of hte cycling club i get access to the whole shop so i can use all the oil, tools, stands and whatever i need.
So what should i be checking up on and how often??? I'm going to be riding 30-50 miles 5+ days a week now.
#2
Throw the stick!!!!
I oil the chain occasionally and air my tires up every ride. Other than that I generally change the chain every 2,500 - 3,000 miles and change the cables once a season. Other than that I really don't do much to my bikes except for the rare cable adjustment.
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Have to agree. I wipe the frame down after every ride. I Clean and lube chain from time to time. I like a clean chain, so I use a wax lube (White Lightning). When it begins to get dirty to the touch, I run it through a rag saturated with cleaner and reapply lube. Occasionally, I will get out the chain scrubber and do a thorough clean job. I also wipe tires down with a damp cloth and some dish washing liquid. I use a little rubbing alcohol on rims and brake pads, it keeps spokes looking shiney too. Once a month I place a drop of lube on deraileur moving parts. At least once a year it is a good idea to flip the bike over and dip a little lube in the cable housing, then run the bike through the gears to move it along the cable. Don't neglect your cleats. I use SpeedPlays, so a litte WD40 for cleaning and a drip or White Lightning on the springs. Never walk in them without cleat covers.
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thanks for the advice geoles, i detail cars and i treat my bike no less than my car. I wash it once a week and when i first got the frame i put a layer of sealent on it to protect the finish and protect it from fade.
As for the cleats, i ride with a pair of sandals that i just slip on, i usually take 5 steps max on the cleats when im off the bike
As for the cleats, i ride with a pair of sandals that i just slip on, i usually take 5 steps max on the cleats when im off the bike
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300+ miles a week here. I lube the chain only after exceptionally wet weather riding. I clean the bike about every other week. I air up the tires when they feel low. That's my "routine" maintenance.
Otherwise it's a chain change @ 3000+ km or when it starts to shift poorly. Tires change every 3000+ km or if I notice any significant cutting in the tire. Look at and if necessary true the wheels about the same time I change tires. Clean/oil derailleurs only if necessary for proper shifting (all that chain grease holds them together and keeps them from squeaking!)
Otherwise it's a chain change @ 3000+ km or when it starts to shift poorly. Tires change every 3000+ km or if I notice any significant cutting in the tire. Look at and if necessary true the wheels about the same time I change tires. Clean/oil derailleurs only if necessary for proper shifting (all that chain grease holds them together and keeps them from squeaking!)
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