Your bicycle needs proper care and maintenance if you want to safely use it for a long time. As a general rule, the more often you use your bike, the more you should focus on proper bike maintenance, especially if you bike off-road. Also, store your bike in a cool, dry area—never outside.
Before Every Ride
Before riding, you should inspect your bike to ensure each part functions properly. Check the tire pressure, and make sure the brakes are catching. Spin the wheels to ensure they don’t wobble, and look over your bike to make sure it isn’t dented or otherwise damaged. Inspect the chain to see if it needs more lubricant.
Regular Cleaning
After each ride, wipe down your bike with a damp or dry cloth. Every once in a while, you’ll have to perform a more thorough clean. If you ride hard and often, or off-road, you’ll need to clean your bike more frequently. But, if you only ride on roads, you might be able to get away with a deep clean only once a month.
- Wash the bike with a wet rag or a hose on a low-pressure setting, using a little bit of soap or a degreaser.
- Clean your chain using soap or a degreaser, working the cleaner into the chain to remove grime. Then, re-lube the chain.
- Wash the bike wheels, using a rag or a soft bristled brush to remove grime from the wheel spokes and braking surfaces.
- Dry the bike by bouncing it on the ground and then drying it with a dry rag.
Lubricating
You should lubricate your bike after every cleaning and whenever it needs lubrication. Don’t overdo it though, as too much lubricant can interfere with your bike’s performance and potentially endanger you. Only use bike lubricant, as other types of lubricants can damage your bike’s parts. The following parts should be lubricated:
- Chain
- Derailleur
- Cables
- Brake pivots
- Shifters
When properly cared for, Thomson bikes and bike parts will perform beautifully for several years. To get the most out of your ride, check out our top-quality and innovative products.
