Maintenance

MAINTENANCE

Chain Lube?
Chain lube is to a chain what ketchup is to French fries. French fries without ketchup just aren′t as good, but you wouldn′t want the French fries to be drowned in a ketchup soup. Similarly, a little chain lube goes a long way. Here on the California coastline, chains generally need to have fresh lubricant applied about once a month; sometimes more often if you ride every day. When applying lubricant, apply a light coast and let it sit overnight to penetrate fully. The next day, take a dry rag and wipe the chain off. Excess lubricant is a dust and dirt magnet and will attract grime that will wear out your chain, cassette and even chain rings.

Replacing Tires?
Most clincher tires are good for somewhere between 1000 and 1500 miles, depending on how hard you ride and the quality of the tire. Some tires are made for exceptional durability and can last for 2000 miles. High performance tires have a softer tread and while they will offer better grip in corners, they don′t tend to last as long as the more durably built models. A tire that needs to be replaced will give several warning signs: You will likely begin to experience flats more frequently; you may notice unusual bulges or ripples in the casing caused by internal tears in the casing; you will notice the tread is worn flat in the center—sometimes you′ll even see the tread worn through to casing. Many riders will take the front tire and rotate it to the rear wheel and put a fresh tire on the front wheel as it wears more slowly there.

Washing Your Bike?
A clean bike works better than a dirty bike. Washing your bike can be an opportunity to inspect your bike for signs of wear. You should wash your bike once a month at minimum. A light, water-soluble soap such as Dawn or Simple Green is great fork breaking down grease and lubricant-based grime on the bike. A sponge, soap and running water are all that is needed. Afterward, take a moment to dry the bike off with a rag. This is a great opportunity to inspect the bike for any damage that might have occurred out on the road.