kill.cactus

Hello all,

I have a Trek 7.2FX. I've been riding about 70 miles a week (usually I ride a lot more, but I can't nowadays), and I was wondering what I should be doing on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.

I have read around and it seems that weekly I should check my rear deraihowever you spell that shifter mechanism and make sure it is parallel to the wheel; oil the chain and sprockets, and make sure my wheels are "true" (which I think means that they are alligned correctly).

Are there other vital things I need to know? Also, I've read that WD-40 shouldn't be used to oil gears and the chain. Is this true?

Thanks a lot in advanced!

HardyWeinberg

Check for bolts loosening from road vibration: fenders, rack, headset, cranks...

kill.cactus

Sorry - I just came upon this thread:

Thanks though

waunderin

to much chain oil collects to much dirt, wd-40 is not a lube, wheels are trued radialy and lateraly. yes and there are good repair guides both to purchase or on the net.

moxfyre

Welcome! Looks like you've already gotten some good advice. I recommend getting this book: Bicycling Magazine's Complete Guide to Bike Maintenance and Repair Starts off basic for newbies, yet complete enough to cover practically any repair on practically any bike. Very well illustrated. Only costs $13 or so.

I think it's fair to say that book changed my life, by turning me into a gearhead But even if you just want some basic information, it's a great book.

gruppo

The most important service is to regularly wash your bike. Get a couple small buckets and a selection of brushes that will fit all the nooks & crannies on your bike. Put warm soapy water in one bucket and rinse water in the other. Lightly wet the bike with a hose, use the various brushes and the soapy water to clean everything (Rinse the brushes in between dipping them in the soapy water), lightly rinse the soap off with the hose, bounce the bike on the ground a couple times, and then dry it off with some clean, soft rags. Done regularly, it'll only take 15-20 minutes. Be sure and use environmentally friendly soap.

kill.cactus

Thanks! I've tried some books at the library, but none really are suitable for complete noobs. I'll buy this one soon

kill.cactus

I do this regularly anyways to keep my bike shiny new Yes, I'm sort of a fred in that I obsess over my equipment ^.^