Bike care
In order to keep the need for repairs to a minimum, you need to ensure that your bike receives regular care to keep the need for repairs to a minimum. This will save you time and money in the end. Of course, it is also possible to entrust the maintenance of your bike to a professional service. Here are some tips on how to care for your bike at home. Maintenance includes, in particular, cleaning and lubricating the individual parts of the bike - the components.
Bike care
In order to keep the need for repairs to a minimum, you need to ensure that your bike receives regular care to keep the need for repairs to a minimum. This will save you time and money in the end. Of course, it is also possible to entrust the maintenance of your bike to a professional service. Here are some tips on how to care for your bike at home. Maintenance includes, in particular, cleaning and lubricating the individual parts of the bike - the components.
Bike washing and cleaning
Wash the wheel frame with a stream of water, clean the wheels by hand with a brush or sponge. Take extra care when cleaning the pinion cassette (sprockets) and chain. Wash the individual teeth thoroughly. Ideally, use a special washing machine on the chain and degrease it as a single component with a special product or strong dishwashing detergent. After the chain has dried, lubricate it.
Lubrication
Always lubricate the chain after washing the bike. after approximately 50 to 200 km. How often you need to lubricate the chain depends on how often you ride in a dusty environment. When riding in dusty terrain, dust and dirt stick to the lubricating oil - in this case it is therefore important to always degrease and clean the chain.
The frequency of chain lubrication is also affected by the weather. When it rains, the oil washes out of the chain faster and needs to be lubricated more often.
Other components with bearings, cassette or converters also require regular lubrication. Always wash the bike well first so that only clean parts are lubricated.
Good quality wheel lubricants contain nanoparticles that protect metal parts from corrosion. In addition, they also prevent dust, mud and other dirt from sticking.
Apply the oil from a distance of 10 to 20 cm from the part. Leave it on for 15 minutes and then wipe off any remaining oil from the part with a dry cloth,
The frequency of chain lubrication is also affected by the weather. When it rains, the oil washes out of the chain faster and needs to be lubricated more often.
Other components with bearings, cassette or converters also require regular lubrication. Always wash the bike well first so that only clean parts are lubricated.
Good quality wheel lubricants contain nanoparticles that protect metal parts from corrosion. In addition, they also prevent dust, mud and other dirt from sticking.
Apply the oil from a distance of 10 to 20 cm from the part. Leave it on for 15 minutes and then wipe off any remaining oil from the part with a dry cloth,
Checking individual parts
Of course, your bike and its individual parts are subject to wear and tear over time and with use. That's why it's important to check these parts regularly to ensure that they always run optimally, are safe to ride and last as long as possible. You can either carry out the inspection yourself or rely on your favourite service centre in your area.
Wheels and tyres
Check that no wires are missing from the wheel rim. They must not be loose either. If they are, you need to have the wheel re-knitted. The tyre pressure should match that on the side of the tyre. For road bikes, a pressure of 50 to 800 kPa (4.5 to 8 bar) is recommended, for MTB bikes 240 to 380 kPa (2.4 to 3.8 bar).
Chain
After riding 500-800 km, check the chain with a special gauge (available at bike shops) to make sure the chain is not too stretched. If it is, replace it. It will ruin your cassette.
Wires and bowdens
If the cable is fraying, it should be replaced immediately.
Brakes
Check the brakes by squeezing the brake lever. If it has a long travel or is too close to the handlebars, adjust the cable length or replace the brake pads. If the brake lever does not offer any resistance, have the brakes bleed by a qualified workshop.
Centre, cranks, pedals
Every 3 months, check the tightness of the individual bolts on the centre gear and the bolt that holds the crank to the axle. If the crank on the axle becomes loose, the race must be removed immediately as it can lead to the destruction of the cranks. Check the tightening of the pedals. They must not be loose or the crank threads will be destroyed.
Wheels and tyres
Check that no wires are missing from the wheel rim. They must not be loose either. If they are, you need to have the wheel re-knitted. The tyre pressure should match that on the side of the tyre. For road bikes, a pressure of 50 to 800 kPa (4.5 to 8 bar) is recommended, for MTB bikes 240 to 380 kPa (2.4 to 3.8 bar).
Chain
After riding 500-800 km, check the chain with a special gauge (available at bike shops) to make sure the chain is not too stretched. If it is, replace it. It will ruin your cassette.
Wires and bowdens
If the cable is fraying, it should be replaced immediately.
Brakes
Check the brakes by squeezing the brake lever. If it has a long travel or is too close to the handlebars, adjust the cable length or replace the brake pads. If the brake lever does not offer any resistance, have the brakes bleed by a qualified workshop.
Centre, cranks, pedals
Every 3 months, check the tightness of the individual bolts on the centre gear and the bolt that holds the crank to the axle. If the crank on the axle becomes loose, the race must be removed immediately as it can lead to the destruction of the cranks. Check the tightening of the pedals. They must not be loose or the crank threads will be destroyed.