Basic mountain bike maintenance will help you save a lot of money and enjoy your ride. Your mountain bike will last longer since as you will replace the parts less frequently. To perform any maintenance you have to make sure you have the basic tools.
When riding your bicycle make sure you carry a tool kit. Test all the tools at home before you start your ride. However, the most basic maintenance does not require you to use any tool. Make sure you regularly keep your mountain bikes clean.
After every ride, clean your bike by washing it with a bucket of hot water and soap or wiping it down. To prevent any dirt from entering into parts it should not get into, wipe or rinse your bike afterwards to help keep the moving parts efficient.
Lubricating the chain is also a very important way to maintain your mountain bike. This will help the chain function properly. The lubricant will also reduce accumulation of grime and dirt. Apply the lubricant evenly while rotating the pedals in an anti- clockwise direction.
There are very many lubricants available in the market. Some of the lubricants are even self-cleaning. Apply a lubricant the night before if you know you will be riding the bike the next day. You should also make sure you lube the moving parts, any exposed cable wires and the pivot point on the brake levers.
Make sure you wipe off any excess oil using a clean, dry rag especially on the chain. Any minor rust spots should be dealt with by rubbing them using steel wool.
When buying a lubricant for your mountain bike, it is very important to buy a lubricant designed for bikes. The lubes are specifically formulated for the specific needs of your bike. The lubricants come in spray dispensers or drip.
Make sure you check the air pressure in your tyres to protect your tyres and make you enjoy your ride. The right amount of pressure is seen on the sidewall of the tyre. Soft tyres feel sluggish while hard tyres make the bike vibrate. Changing tyres should also be part of your maintenance schedule. You also have to know how to repair a puncture.
The brake cables and gear become less effective as time goes by since they stretch over time. Replace these parts every 6 months depending on how often you ride. Therefore, make sure you regularly check these parts regularly. Inspect the cable for any crimps, cracks, dirt, rust and looseness.
Since brake pads wear out very fast, it is very important to check them regularly. Brake pads are imperative for your safety. Make sure you check the alignment of the brake pad against the wheel rims. Ensure they sit on the rim when you apply the brakes. They should be free of the sidewall of the tyre when brakes are not applied.
It is very important to also check the bolts and nuts on your mountain bike. If you find any loose bolts, use a spanner or an Allen Key to tighten them. This will prevent any inconveniences when riding your mountain bike.
Photo: Bryn Jones
