Maintaining Your Mountain-Bike: The Basics Post-Ride Routine
By Noa Zimhony, Bluebird Riders Team 04/06/2010 13:40 PM
When returning from a long mountain biking trip, we usually sit down for a hearty meal and maybe a nap – we must restore some of the energy we spent when riding, but before doing so, we must consider our bikes: The bike is not a human being that needs rest, but it does need to be maintained and kept in good form. Following is a basic post-ride routine, taking from 30 minutes to an hour (depending on your experience) for maintaining your mountain bike:
Step 1:
Honey, I’m hooooooooome! Clear up an area for the bike, a nice patch of lawn or concrete should do the trick. Lay down an old towel to protect the bike (or just get a repair stand – but it’ll cost you!)
Step 2:
Remove accessories from the top of the handlebar: Including lights, bells, cameras, etc. Also make sure to remove V brakes (if your bike is equipped with them).
Step 3:
Turn the bike upside down or hang it by its saddle.
Step 4:
Remove the wheels.
Step 5:
Clean the drive system: Using a brush and soapy water, begin by cleaning the rear derailleur and make sure to brush all the moving parts. Wash the chain on the rear derailleur by turning the pedals, then move on the clean the chain ring (don’t forget to dry it!). Wash the pedals and cranks with a wet rag and finally, clean the front gear mechanism.
Step 6:
Wash the underside: Begin by washing front forks with some soapy water, and dry them off as you go. Clean the center and rear of the frame likewise. Wash the handlebars and pay special attention to the brake lever and gear assembly. Wash the top tube/crossbar with a damp cloth, and make sure to clean under the brake and gear cables. Clean the underside of the seat.
Step 7:
Wash and remount bike wheels: Clean the rims of the wheels with a wet rag. Wash the spokes and clean the axle. If you have a disk brake, make sure to use a degreaser in order to clean the discs. Do the same for both wheels, and then clean the gear cassette on the rear wheel very carefully, Use the bike brush to remove any stones and build-up of lube or dirt.
Step 8:
Check out your wheels: Spin each wheel and make sure that it runs freely. As it rotates, hold your fingers against the rims to check for any dents or knocks. For disc brake bikes, check both sides of the rotors on each wheel, but DO NOT TOUCH THE ROTOR. For V brake bikes, watch the wheel while it spins, to make sure that the brake blocks do not touch the rims.
Check your spokes and tighten what is necessary.
Check tire pressure. If you find any problem, you will need to replace the tire before you set out again.
Step 9:
Check the drive system. Check the pedals by spinning them, make sure that they turn freely and that there is no noise or grinding from worn bearings. If there is, you'll need to replace the bottom bracket.
Step 10:
Wash the top part of the bike: Turn the bike right side up and lean it against a wall. Wash the handlebars and headset with a cloth and soapy water. Pay attention to the brake and gear levels. Clean the down tube and top tube or crossbar. Remove the saddle to wash underneath and then remount it and give it a wipe over as well. Clean the seat stays and wash the bottom bracket.
Step 11:
Check your brakes: Test them by standing in front of your bike, holding on to the handlebars. Apply the front brake and pull the bike to you. The front wheel should not move at all! If we continue to pull the rear wheel will lift up off the ground. If this is not the case, then your brake needs adjusting.
Follow above instructions for the back brake as well. Take a look at your brake levers – They should start to grip at about 1/3 pull. The levers should not be touching the handlebars. If they do, you will need to adjust your brakes.
For disc brakes: Look inside the disc brake caliper (the part that fits around the brake rotor). Apply the front brake: you should see both brake pads move across equally to clamp the rotor. If not, there is a problem. Repeat this process with the rear disc brake and look into the rear caliper.
For V brakes, check the brake blocks for signs of wear. Make sure to also check both brake cables for signs of wear.
Step 12:
Check your headset: Stand beside the bike and hold the headset with your left hand. Apply the front brake with your right and rock the bike. Make sure you cannot fell slack or hear knocking in the headset.
Step 13:
Lubricate the drive system.
Step 14:
Check the lights. Now reattach the lights and any other accessories you took off.
Enjoy your ready, clean, and well maintained bike during your next mountain biking trip!
When returning from a long mountain biking trip, we usually sit down for a hearty meal and maybe a nap – we must restore some of the energy we spent when riding, but before doing so, we must consider our bikes: The bike is not a human being that needs rest, but it does need to be maintained and kept in good form. Following is a basic post-ride routine, taking from 30 minutes to an hour (depending on your experience) for maintaining your mountain bike:
Step 1:
Honey, I’m hooooooooome! Clear up an area for the bike, a nice patch of lawn or concrete should do the trick. Lay down an old towel to protect the bike (or just get a repair stand – but it’ll cost you!)
Step 2:
Remove accessories from the top of the handlebar: Including lights, bells, cameras, etc. Also make sure to remove V brakes (if your bike is equipped with them).
Step 3:
Turn the bike upside down or hang it by its saddle.
Step 4:
Remove the wheels.
Step 5:
Clean the drive system: Using a brush and soapy water, begin by cleaning the rear derailleur and make sure to brush all the moving parts. Wash the chain on the rear derailleur by turning the pedals, then move on the clean the chain ring (don’t forget to dry it!). Wash the pedals and cranks with a wet rag and finally, clean the front gear mechanism.
Step 6:
Wash the underside: Begin by washing front forks with some soapy water, and dry them off as you go. Clean the center and rear of the frame likewise. Wash the handlebars and pay special attention to the brake lever and gear assembly. Wash the top tube/crossbar with a damp cloth, and make sure to clean under the brake and gear cables. Clean the underside of the seat.
Step 7:
Wash and remount bike wheels: Clean the rims of the wheels with a wet rag. Wash the spokes and clean the axle. If you have a disk brake, make sure to use a degreaser in order to clean the discs. Do the same for both wheels, and then clean the gear cassette on the rear wheel very carefully, Use the bike brush to remove any stones and build-up of lube or dirt.
Step 8:
Check out your wheels: Spin each wheel and make sure that it runs freely. As it rotates, hold your fingers against the rims to check for any dents or knocks. For disc brake bikes, check both sides of the rotors on each wheel, but DO NOT TOUCH THE ROTOR. For V brake bikes, watch the wheel while it spins, to make sure that the brake blocks do not touch the rims.
Check your spokes and tighten what is necessary.
Check tire pressure. If you find any problem, you will need to replace the tire before you set out again.
Step 9:
Check the drive system. Check the pedals by spinning them, make sure that they turn freely and that there is no noise or grinding from worn bearings. If there is, you'll need to replace the bottom bracket.
Step 10:
Wash the top part of the bike: Turn the bike right side up and lean it against a wall. Wash the handlebars and headset with a cloth and soapy water. Pay attention to the brake and gear levels. Clean the down tube and top tube or crossbar. Remove the saddle to wash underneath and then remount it and give it a wipe over as well. Clean the seat stays and wash the bottom bracket.
Step 11:
Check your brakes: Test them by standing in front of your bike, holding on to the handlebars. Apply the front brake and pull the bike to you. The front wheel should not move at all! If we continue to pull the rear wheel will lift up off the ground. If this is not the case, then your brake needs adjusting.
Follow above instructions for the back brake as well. Take a look at your brake levers – They should start to grip at about 1/3 pull. The levers should not be touching the handlebars. If they do, you will need to adjust your brakes.
For disc brakes: Look inside the disc brake caliper (the part that fits around the brake rotor). Apply the front brake: you should see both brake pads move across equally to clamp the rotor. If not, there is a problem. Repeat this process with the rear disc brake and look into the rear caliper.
For V brakes, check the brake blocks for signs of wear. Make sure to also check both brake cables for signs of wear.
Step 12:
Check your headset: Stand beside the bike and hold the headset with your left hand. Apply the front brake with your right and rock the bike. Make sure you cannot fell slack or hear knocking in the headset.
Step 13:
Lubricate the drive system.
Step 14:
Check the lights. Now reattach the lights and any other accessories you took off.
Enjoy your ready, clean, and well maintained bike during your next mountain biking trip!
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