In
this section of the CoBR Maintenance Guide we show you how to construct
a simple preventative maintenance (PM) routine that will not only
save you money but also make your cycling even more enjoyable. Let's
start with the basics.
Keep your bike clean
All bikes are a collection of moving parts and when these come into
contact with mud and grime performance of most components is adversely
affected and wear and tear is inevitable.
Few cyclists wash their bikes after every ride. But a regular schedule
of frequent, simple cleaning (once a month, once a week or more
depending upon the kinds of riding you're into) is important.
There's more to cleaning your bike than just hosing it down from
time to time and leaving it to dry. Water (especially from a high-pressure
hose) can cause damage to bearing systems throughout your bike.
So if you do wash, do so carefully.
Washing Your Bike
Every
bike should be washed at least every 2-3 months. Your bike should
also be washed after really dirty rides. Washing your bike is
easy and does not take that much time.
What you need
A car wash brush is ideal plus a bottlebrush and toothbrush for
those fiddly places.
Bike wash or wash and wax shampoo
Sponge
Method
Using the car wash brush or a sponge, wash down the entire bike.
Give the bike a second wash. This will allow you to find the spots
where the dirt is especially tough and didn't come off in the
first wash. Use the bottlebrush to remove dirt from the tight
places the sponge or car brush couldn't fit. If you come across
areas where there is perhaps a build up of oil or grease, use
the toothbrush and some degreaser.
Rinse off your bike and allow to dry. Then lubricate most moving
parts and where cables enter cable outers etc. See later for a
proper lube routine.
Notes of caution
Avoid washing your bike in the sun because the heat will dry the
frame before you're ready to rinse it.
If you must pressure wash your bike, watch those bearings, the
pressure can force the water where you don't want it to go.
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