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.

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.

sounds good, ill ask the guys at my bike shop what they do as well.

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.

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

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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!)