Why maintain your bicycle?
Because a well-maintained bicycle lasts much longer. To prevent premature wear of certain components. To avoid parts rusting or malfunctioning due to lack of maintenance. Properly maintaining your bike also ensures your safety.
Maintaining your bike between workshop visits doesn't take much time. Obviously, a basic routine is necessary before each ride: checking tire pressure, adequate braking, and working lights if you plan to return after sunset. As for cleaning, it all depends on the type of riding. For mountain biking, it's recommended to clean after every ride; for road biking, every 3-4 rides or after a ride in the rain; and for urban use, occasional cleaning will suffice, depending on the weather, the route taken (asphalt vs. gravel), and the frequency of use.
Yes, but what to maintain?
1. The chain
Because it's the central element of the mechanics. Taking care of it is therefore essential. For chain maintenance, you'll only need a rag, a degreaser, and oil to lubricate it again. Sand, dust, and other dirt that sticks to the chain have an abrasive effect and can significantly reduce its lifespan.
Between workshop cleanings, wipe your chain after every 3-4 rides, especially after any rides where you rode in the rain or on a gravel road.
2. The brakes
Because brakes in good condition guarantee your safety on every ride. Of course, regular adjustment in a workshop is essential for tuning, but also for checking their overall condition.
Sooner or later, the wear of brake cables and pads will require them to be changed.
With the same frequency as for the chain, perform a visual inspection of the brakes and wipe the pads with a damp cloth to remove dirt. After a ride in the rain, it's advisable to also clean the rims. While it's easier if you remove the wheel, you can also do it by leaving the wheel in place, but by releasing the brake tension (if you're not comfortable with these manipulations, ask a technician to show you during your next workshop visit). Lift each wheel off the ground in turn and spin them to ensure they are straight, and finally, check that the pads are placed straight on the rim and that they are not rubbing against the tire. Misadjusted or dirty pads can cause premature wear of the wheel rims and even, in more extreme cases, puncture them.
3. The tires
Because they are the point of contact between the bike and the road. Before each ride, check tire pressure and inflate them if necessary. If you don't already own one, buying a floor pump is a good investment! An underinflated tire will affect your efficiency and be more vulnerable to punctures. If you use it in an urban setting, remember to park it in the shade as exposure to the sun contributes to premature tire deterioration. After each ride, visually check the tread, taking care to remove any foreign objects (small pieces of metal, rocks, glass, etc.) embedded in the tire, as these could cause punctures. If the tread is flat, it's a sign of wear.
In case of a puncture, check both the outside and inside of the tire by running your hand over both sides, because sometimes a foreign object may not be visible from the outside and may have passed through the tread and cause a second puncture soon after you resume your ride. If the tire has been too damaged by a sharp or piercing object, you may need to replace it.
Finally, if you experience several consecutive punctures that seem to be of the same nature, it's an undeniable sign. If it's not due to a foreign object, it could be the rim, the rim tape, or a spoke causing it. A trip to the workshop will then be necessary.
4. The wheels
Because they ensure the stability of your bike. As we saw earlier, your wheel rims must be kept clean to ensure safe braking and prevent their premature wear, as well as that of the brake pads.
If your tire pressure drops dramatically between rides, it may be because your rim is damaged. Potholes, stones, curbs, or underinflated tires are all causes that can lead to wheel warping. In addition to making a bike unstable, wheel warping will cause irregular braking. An inspection of the rim at the workshop can assess its condition and allow for the necessary corrections.
5. The gears
Because precise gear shifting is so much more enjoyable! Well-adjusted gears prevent premature wear of the chain, chainrings, and cassette. They also ensure smooth acceleration and pleasant climbs. However, if you don't have basic mechanical knowledge, it's best to have the adjustments made by a mechanic.
6. The handlebar tape
Because it's a comfort factor that should not be overlooked. For many, handlebar tape has a purely aesthetic function, but it can make a real difference during a ride. Handlebar tape is the point of contact between your hands and the handlebars. There is an incredible variety of colors, textures, and comfort levels, and this last point should not be overlooked if you do long rides or ride on rough surfaces.
Keeping it clean is important. Dirty hands, sweat, food, and liquid all contribute to making it dirty. To clean it, a rag and mild soap will do the trick. Make sure to dry it thoroughly. In some cases, using a soft-bristled brush can help clean ingrained dirt.
7. The pedals
Because they allow for efficient power transfer. Pedals and cleats are exposed to several types of dirt. On the one hand, because they are close to the ground, and on the other hand, because when you walk with your cycling shoes on asphalt, in sand, dirt, or mud, you accumulate dirt that you transfer to the pedals. Inspect your cleats and pedals regularly and remove sand, dust, and dirt as needed. If you ride in the rain, wipe off excess water and dry them. Humidity can cause creaking or unpleasant noises. In this case, it may be necessary to lubricate the springs and pedal axle.
Regular bicycle maintenance will help you avoid high repair costs. Your rides will be more enjoyable and safer, and it can make the difference between a magnificent ride and one that is cut short due to a breakdown or malfunction that could have been easily avoided!