I recently started using a Trek 1.1 to commute 30 miles round trip to work. So far I've logged 180+ miles. My office has a locker room with full showers, so the logistics of clothes and cleaning have been relatively easy to organize. I do have a few questions about bicycle maintenance and aches and pains.
- I have yet to lube my chain (my first ride on the bike was the first day I rode into work). What type of chain lube should I use, and how often should I use it? Should I clean it on a regular basis?
- What other type of daily/routine maintenance should I perform on my bike?
- Riding on drop bars is a new concept to me, so riding with my arms fully extended has made the inside of my elbow pretty sore. Is this common and what should I do about it? Stretch, lift, ice, etc.?
I live in an apartment with ample outdoor storage to lock the bike up in. I would like to get a small bike maintenance kit together (lube, rags, allen wrenches, etc.). Do any commuters on here have a good no-frills kit list that they'd like to share?
I realize I could search through all the forums to find varied answers to these questions; I just thought I'd drop them all in once place and see what you folks could come up with. Thanks for any insight!
Cheers,
Justin