Feb 1, 2010
What Do I Have To Do To My Mountain Bike Weekly/monthely To Maintain It?
Please could someone give me a list of things i should be checking/doing with my mountain bike every week or month to keep it in top condition.
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thinkin brakes and tyre pressure wkly.then all the most important nuts and bolts on wheels,handle bars,steering. chain is well oiled and tort.peddles are also in good stead.you have a pump all times and water..
This is a good question.
Many people neglect basic maintenance and pay for it on the trail. This can be very irritating to fellow riders.Who cool down quickly while waiting for a badly prepared companion.
If you ride enough, you’ll get a good feel for the overall condition of your bike and begin noticing when things are wearing out. However, a good look over once a week is not a bad idea.
keep all parts as clean as possible.
Inspect parts for physical signs of wear or damage.
lube drivetrain with suitable purpose designed lube. Teflon based is good for UK riding conditions.
Clean fork stantions to remove muck and bugs which can damage seals.
Inspect brake pads for wear.
Inspect tyres for cuts or excessive wear.
Generally make sure everything is still in the right place and attached correctly.
If the bike is put together right, you shouldn’t need to check nuts and bolts to often.
A strip down and full inspection and service should be done at least every 100 hrs of riding. More often in adverse conditions.
A few of the less helpful answers point you towards an oil can. Fine, but I would go for a purpose specific oil. A teflon based chail oil is prefered, although I do like wax based myself. The golden rule is that you use dry oil in the summer, so that dust doesn’t build up on the chain and wet, sticky in the winter so that the oil is not washed off easily. Finger check the chain at the end of each ride, especially in wet, muddy conditions. Use a baby whipe to clean off mud before re-applying oil, as necessary. However, give your chain a thorough cleaning every week.
You should also check that your front and rear derailier is oiled as well.
Bikes will use cables for gear changing and usually braking. Visually inspect these to ensure that they are not becoming too fraid. While your at it, check your cable tension, especially on the brakes.
Check your chain every week. Measure 12 links (Inner and outer pins). 12 inches will indicate no or little wear. 12 and 1/16 inch I would change the chain. 12 and 1/8 chainge chain and sprocket (Rear). Typically though, look at chaning your chain every 2 – 3 months, depending upon milage.
Check wear on your brake pads.
Apply your brakes and, standing over the bike, push forward and backwards on the handle bar. Any movement may indicate that your headset may need tightening/replacing.
Grab one of your crank arms and pull it in and out, rather than round and round. Any movement may indicate worn bearings.
Make sure that your tyres are pumped up corectly. Road bikes should be between 90 psi and 120. Winter pressure for MTB tyres, where some road work is done – 45 psi. However, for trail centers/rocky stuff – 25 – 35 psi.
Note: I would also consider getting a service and general check every 3 or so months. In this way, if you have a good mechanic, problems can be spotted and taken care of before they become expensive.
Luck
Here is how to do a tune up.http://bicycletutor.com/tune-up/