How to maintain your bike
Mountain biking is a fun sport, but if you do not look after your bike and equipment it could get very expensive. This quick guide will help you maintain your mountain bike in tip top shape.
A clean bike is a healthy bikeCleaning your bike regularly, especially if you’ve been out in the mud, will help prevent excessive wear and tear on the chain, brake blocks, cables and the rear cassette. You will also be able to spot any problems before they become dangerous, such as a crack in the frame or handlebars.
You can use soapy water to clean off mud and a degreaser from your local bike shop to clean the chain. You could use a special chain cleaner (ask at your bike shop) or just use a toothbrush and an old rag.
Rinse the soapy water off with water afterwards. Do not spray a strong jet of water into the wheel hubs or bottom bracket, as you may wash out grease from the bearings.
Adjusting the gears
If your gears are jumping you can adjust them by tightening or slackening the cable at the rear derailleur. You can do this by loosening the bolt that holds the cable on the derailleur and then tightening the cable. You will need to finely adjust it by turning the adjusting knob on the derailleur (which the cable passes through). You can ask the mechanic at your bike shop to give you a brief demonstration.
Check that your wheels are true
If you have a wobble in your wheel you need to check that you do not have a broken spoke. It could also be that a spoke has come loose. It is a bit of a skill to true a wheel, so you should probably take it down to your local bike shop.
Check your brakes
Brake pads that rub will slow you down and sap your energy. They will also wear quicker and need to be replaced. When you brake your brake pads should hit the rim at the same time, so that they apply even stopping pressure.
If you have hydraulic brakes you should also check that they do not rub too much, although many hydraulic brakes always rub a little. If they are rubbing too much they may need to be bled.
Of all the above, keeping your mountain bike clean is the most important, as it will help you spot any of the problems that may need attention before your next ride.
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