MTB Maintenance
 

I'm a noob getting back into biking after 18 years. Girlfriend and I purchased 2 barely used 2013 Fuji Nevada 1.9D 29ers last night for a very good price. Wanted to buy in cheap to see if we stick with it, then upgrade later.

My question for the group - what maintenance should I be doing on these bikes? Lube points? What type of lube is suggested? Mech disc brake adjustments? Etc. MTB's have changed quite a bit over the last 18 years! The couple we purchased from bought these bikes last summer, went for one ride, and decided biking wasn't for them. The bikes had been hanging in their garage ever since.

Tried searching the forum, but "maintenance" was way too broad a topic.

Thanks for the help!

The main items to maintain are the chain and the derailleurs. The chain is easy, if you here it chirping at all then its time to clean and lube. The chain should be for the most part silent. At wally world they sell a White lightning chain cleaner. White Lightning Bicycle Chain Cleaner Kit - Walmart.com
It works wonders for getting the grime off. Use Simple Green in it to clean the chain. Once the chain is clean then be sure to dry off the chain either with a rag or by air. To lube the chain I use Phil Woods Bio-lube.
Phil Wood Bio-Lube
You can also use it to keep your front and rear derailleurs lubed.
In conclusion, if you hear anything chirping, squealing or making funny noises then most likely its dirty and needs to be cleaned and lubed. Maintenance is 99% common sense and the other 1% is just doing it.

Congratulations on finding a good buy on bikes, solid bikes.

A spray lube on moving joints is good, a Teflon spray works for joints. I like keeping my chain clean and well lubed. I use Extra Strength Simple Green for the chain and derailers. Wipe them very clean. My favorite lube is Dumont Tech, but any good lube from a bike shop will do in your early days. You will get opinionated as you go along. I am giving WD-40 Bike and Chain lube a try on my Roadie bike. I love my real bike too much to put anything that starts with WD-40 on it. :)

Good luck and post some pictures of your bikes.