I'm sure this has been discussed ad nauseum on here, but I'm new and need some guidance. I've had my new bike a little over a month or so and I really like it...so I'd like to keep it a while. What do I need to be doing as regular maintenance and how often do I need to do it? I've heard comments about "well maintained" bikes. What does it mean and how do I keep my bike "well maintained"?

A Simple Bike Maintenance Chart - bicycle habitat

The number 1 maintenance to do (which I don't do enough of) is to keep your chain and drivetrain clean and lubed.

Next is to make sure your bearings (hubs, bb, headset) are cleaned and greased regularly.

After that, adjust your brake and shifting cables whenever they slacken up.

And anything else is just cosmetic.

Generally true, but at the 2500-3500 mile point it's probably time to replace chain, and possibly tires too.

He's had the bike a month. Definitely not time to start talking about replacing chains and tires yet.

Nice chart! I wash my bicycle more than most... I am sure. But for me I find washing to be the best time and easiest way to fully inspect a bicycle.

agreed, and when the bike is clean you see more than you would on a dirty bike. Most of the cuts in my tires are not as visible until I clean the tires. I also wash my bike more than I "need" to.

I agree that the most important things are a clean drivetrain though.

#1 is keeping chain clean and lubed. Relube when it starts feeling dry or noisy and after rain rides (for me ~100mi). Relube and run chain through rag to remove dirt and excess. About every 400-500mi or so I use a chain machine cleaner and gear floss on cassette to to bring everything back to a like new state of clean. I'm kinda OCD with my gear though.

Give bike a good wipe down with a damp rag when it looks dirty; inspect frame for cracks once in awhile etc. Make sure wheels are spinning true, spokes feel tight as new. All bearings running smooth? (i.e. headset, Bottom Bracket, Hubs) Occasionally you may need to tighten a barrel adjuster, or turn a limit screw to tweak shift indexing or to compensate for brake pad wear. I ride Speedplay pedals, so that means periodic cleat lube and spindle greasing, as well.

Other than that as long as everything feels good and sounds normal you're good to go. I mention sound because the majority of mechanical problems will make some type of noise, i.e. bottom bracket creak, headset clunk, noisy shifting, screaming if brakes fail (just kidding) etc.

Agree that drivetrain cleaning is number one. There's no set time interval of how often to do it. I'm pretty anal about it and I like to clean it before a big ride. It's part of the preparation ritual for me.

Other than that, just check stuff often. Measure your chain after a few thousand miles. Look for cracks. Look for junk in your tire that may cause a flat later if it gets pushed in deeper (Rare, but it happens. Or sometimes there's a thorn in there and the tire goes flat as soon as you pull it out.). Pick junk out of your brake pads. Check your bearings. It won't take much time if there aren't problems.

Most stuff is pretty obvious. You'll know when your tires are done and when it's time for new brake pads. Bad cables will be noticeable. Otherwise I replace mine once a year.

I thought riding through puddles was washing my bike.

In a very small way I envy that attitude.

But... whether caused by my former military training or my natural personality, or both, it ain't gonna happen. I keep my bicycle and cycling equipment clean, and ready. No defects, and no repairs needed. My back-up (rain bike) sits and waits equally as clean, lubed, and ready.

Never washed my bike but I do check it regularly. I try to degrease/grease the chain before every long-ish ride.

Most bike shops will tell you to bring your new bike in after a month or so and they'll tighten anything up that needs it. You can ask them about maintenance.

If you do a search, you'll find that spray lubes are far better than any liquid chain wax.

I wish I was so disciplined.