How to maintain your bike?
Do you want to look good on your pedal-powered bike at all times? Do you want people to think “Oh, what a beautiful, well-maintained bike” when you pass them? Well, read on to learn how to maintain your trusty steed properly!
The tools
For effective maintenance of your bike, you will need :- A bike stand (optional)
- A chain rest (optional)
- A water jet or a bucket of water and a sponge
- Degreaser or de-sealer
- A soft bristle brush
- A toothbrush (optional)
- A cleaning product for this purpose
- A cloth (microfiber or not)
- Special chain oil
Installation
First of all, you need to install your bike properly. Place it in an open area so that you can move around it without any problems. You can also use a bike stand if you have one. Otherwise, turning your bike over or putting it against something (a wall, for example) will do the trick.
Disassembly
Once your bike has been chocked, you will need to remove its wheels and place it on the chainstay. If your bike is very dirty (covered with mud for example), do not hesitate to clean it with a jet of water or a wet sponge. After that, it will be ready for degreasing.Degreasing
To degrease your bike’s transmission (chain, cassette, derailleurs, crankset and pedals), use a degreaser or a degreasing agent, as well as a soft brush (you can also use a toothbrush for more precision when cleaning the chain). Then leave the product to work for 5 minutes. Once this time has elapsed, rinse your bike thoroughly, paying particular attention to the areas that have been treated with the product (but avoid using a high-pressure jet, which could damage your bike).Cleaning
For cleaning, use a cleaning product and a good sponge or microfibre cloth to scrub (you can also use a round brush for hubs and hard-to-reach areas). Do not use washing-up liquid, as this will damage your bike. Rinse your bike again.
