Keep it Clean
A clean bike is a well-riding bike. Clean your bike after every dirty or wet ride, giving it a more attentive cleaning every few weeks.
At least twice a year, use a chain breaker to remove the chain from the drivetrain, and soak it in a container (I like a 32-ounce Gatorade bottle) filled with degreaser for 20 minutes or more. With the chain removed, take an old toothbrush or other cleaning instrument and scrub the sprockets of the rear derailleur. Between more thorough cleanings, spray a bit of brake cleaner or White Lightning Clean Streak on the chain and cassette and watch the grime slide off. Just be sure to do this over some newspaper or cardboard you can discard later.
Keep it Tight
Every few weeks, grab your Allen wrenches and make sure the various bolts on your bike are tight. Beware you don't overtighten them, though. Check your owner's manual or talk to your local bike shop mechanic to find the proper specs. In some cases, such as with the head set, a torque wrench can be beneficial. If you remove a bolt, be sure to lightly lube it before putting it back into place.
Keep it Lubed
Speaking of lube, one of the most common mistakes many riders make is to slather their chain with oil. This is a bad idea because excess lubricant attracts and locks in dirt, leading to early wear. Dribble a light layer of Tri-Flow or similar oil onto your clean chain. Remember the old Brylcreem slogan—a little dab will do you. Be sure to shift gears as you apply the lube so it can coat the rear cassette's cogs. Use a rag to wipe off any excess.
Keep it Dry
Water might not be your bike's sworn enemy, but it's not exactly conducive to bike preservation, either. When washing your bike, don't douse it with water, which can seep into your bearings and ruin them. If you must use water, dip a rag into a bucket filled with water and a mild cleaning detergent, such as Dawn dish soap. Many home mechanics use Simple Green wipes or similar products to scrub away dirt.
If you get caught in an unexpected downpour, don't hang up your bike before it's dry. Wipe it down with a clean towel. You should also bring it in from the garage, says expert bike mechanic Jonathan Juillerat, owner of Bluegrass Bicycle Company in Brownsburg, Ind. "You want to let it dry in a climate-controlled environment," he says. "Keeping it in a humid garage means the water is going to take a day or more to fully evaporate, leading to flash rust on your chain and bolt heads."
Watch for Wear
One of the best investments you can make to keep your steed running smoothly is a new chain. When a chain is worn out, not only does your shifting suffer, your cogs and rear cassette will also wear at an accelerated rate. A foot between two chain pins is standard for a new chain; as you ride, the chain stretches. After it's stretched 1/8 of an inch or more, it's time for a replacement. If that sounds like too much of a hassle, just replace your chain every 2000 miles or so. You'll know it's time to replace your cogs when the teeth start to resemble shark fins.
After spending nearly a decade as a reporter for The Indianapolis Star, Robert Annis finally broke free of the shackles of gainful employment and now freelances full time, specializing in cycling and outdoor-travel journalism. Over the years, Robert's byline has appeared in numerous publications and websites, including Outside, National Geographic Traveler, Afar, Bicycling, Men's Journal, Popular Mechanics, Lonely Planet, the Chicago Tribune, and Adventure.com.
