Mountain Bike Maintenance 101
Mountain Bike Maintenance 101
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Squeaks, screams and squeals – If your mountain bike sounds like an excited toddler then don’t ignore it. It’s trying to tell you something.
With the proper maintenance, your bike will last longer, provide you with peace of mind while riding and reduce your risk of injury. Completing pre and post ride maintenance checks can make the difference between riding all day or walking home.
Before every ride
Check your ABC’s – Air, Brakes, Chain
Air – Having properly inflated tyres lets your bike roll quickly, ride smoothly and helps prevent flats. Check the sidewall of your tyre for the recommended pressure and inflate tyres accordingly. (Skinny road tyres are usually high psi so do not try inflate a mountain bike tyre to the same level).
While you’re down there –
Gently pluck your spokes so you get to know what feels and sounds right. When one feels off or its tone is different from the rest, you know you have a loose spoke.
Take the opportunity to ensure your quick-release levers are properly tightened as well. To correctly close a quick-release skewer, tighten the nut on the opposite side just until firm, then flip the level to the closed position. You should feel resistance but still be able to completely close the lever. It you can’t, open the lever and loosen the nut a bit before trying again.
Brakes – Squeeze your front and rear brakes levers to make sure that the brakes engage properly and smoothly. Testing them on a downhill is not time to discover there’s a problem.
Three signs your brake pads are worn – you hear a gritty scraping sound, the grooves in the pad have disappeared or you feel stickiness when you brake.
Handy Hint – After removing a disc-brake wheel from the frame or fork, do not squeeze the brake lever. This can cause the brake pads to clamp together, tight! Separating them will probably involve a trip to a bike mechanic.
Chain – Ideally you have a cleaned and lubricated chain from after your previous ride but double check your chain and all the gears. Keeping your chain lubricated and everything clean will ensure your bike shifts easier and the drivetrain (front chain rings, rear cassette, rear derailleur and chain) last longer.
Do not use solvent to lube your chain, instead choose a lube that best suits your riding conditions as not all are the same. Your local bike shop should be able to help with selecting the right one.
Go slowly and add a tiny drop to each link carefully. After lubing your chain, backpedal a few revolutions so the lube gets into the rollers and between the plates.
Handy Hint – Once finished wipe off the chain with a clean, dry rag. Excess lubricant will attract dirt and other abrasive particles and interfere with shifting gears.
After a ride –
Check your bike – Make sure there are no cracks in the frame or handlebars, especially if you crashed. Check your drivetrain, brakes and other items as it’s better to find out now that a part needs servicing than right before your next ride.
Clean your bike – Not necessary after every ride but once a week or month depending on how often your ride is good practice. If you ride in wet, muddy conditions more regular cleaning may be required. Leaving your bike sitting with dust, dirt, sand and grit in the components will cause unnecessary wear and degradation of the parts.
Don’t blast your bike with a high-pressure hose as this forces in unwanted grit and dirt and blows out much-needed grease and lube. Use a normal garden hose, a bucket of water and a sponge instead and gently wipe down dust seals on suspension components.
Wipe off or clean your chain then re-lube after every wash.
Get serviced – Depending on how often you ride this should be done at least once, if not twice a year and definitely before any big trips such as riding the Munda Biddi. Most bike shops are busy so don’t expect an on-the-spot service or repair, you’ll need to book in advance.
If you want to come ride the Munda Biddi with me as your guide find out more information here –
Anna – Inspiration Outdoors Guide
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