My First Lube (Or, What Else Should I be Doing That I'm Not?)

After diving headfirst into the world of commuter cycling this spring, I've put a few hundred miles on my bike, and I finally got around to lubing up the chain this morning.

Now, as far as bike maintenance goes, I can change a flat (though slowly), and adjust brakes, but that's about it. I noticed last week that my once sparkly chain was a very brown unhappy color, so figured it was about time to clean and lube that puppy.

To my great surprise, it made a world of difference!! Maybe it was just in my head, but after cleaning and lubing my chain this morning, my bike just felt great! My cadence was smoother, I felt like I was getting more power per pedal, and it was definitely quieter. Which go me thinking:

What else should I be doing regularly? I keep my tires inflated to their recommended PSI, and now I'll be at least a once-a-week chain luber. But what other regular maintenance should I be perfroming on my bike?

Views: 71

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Michael Perz on May 14, 2010 at 10:34am
It's not in your head. Any mechanical assembly will function better with proper lubrication and not being covered in schmutz. Other maintenance and adjustment intervals depend on whether your components (i.e.: hubs, bottom bracket, headset) utilize sealed or loose ball bearings and how frequently you ride in foul weather conditions. Those items typically require service every so often if they're loose ball assemblies. Sealed bearings just get replaced when they're worn out.
Permalink Reply by BalloonBiker on May 14, 2010 at 10:39am
If you use clipless pedals, check to make sure that the screws on the cleats are tight. It's possible for them to become loose and have one or two fall out, which can be somewhat dangerous. If only one screw in still in, the cleat will stay in the clip, but your shoe will rotate.

You can also clean your cogs and the rims of your wheels.
Permalink Reply by Matthew on May 14, 2010 at 11:29am
Check your spokes by lightly pinching two together at a time. Spokes can come loose over time and if you catch them early you can save a lot of money and frustration. Also, check if your wheels are staying true by flipping your bike over and spinning each wheel, keeping an eye on the distance between the brake pads and the rim. This distance should not change as the wheel makes its rotations. If there is any wobbling, consider retruing the wheel. Your LBC can certainly retrue it for you if you need a hand with the work. Good luck!
Permalink Reply by Mark Kenseth on May 15, 2010 at 3:31am
i like wiping my bike down after a rain or cleaning my wheels/rims after riding over wet pavement. cleaning the rims keep my brakes working, and keeping the bike clean makes me feel good and keeps my hands from getting grimey.

i also check the screws on the rear rack and the mud flaps/wheel cover things. i can't think of any proper terms. i'm brain dead right now.
Permalink Reply by Duppie on May 15, 2010 at 9:11am
Don't overdo the lubing. During the summer months when the weather is nice and the roads are clean, there is absolutely no need to lube every week. I easily go two months of near-daily riding during the summer without lubing my chain. In the winter that is a different story

RSS

Groups

© 2008-2016   The Chainlink Community, L.L.C.   Powered by

Disclaimer  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service