How to properly maintain your bike?

Lubricate and grease the chain

Once the bike is clean, all that remains is to lubricate a few components such as the chain before getting back in the saddle. To lubricate the bicycle chain, the use of a specific oil is recommended. The chain must also be well oiled in order to slide easily.

1. Pour a few drops of oil on the chain while keeping it moving.

2. Play with the settings of the sprockets and the chainrings in order to distribute the oil at all levels.

3. Turn the chain back and forth so that the oil penetrates well into the links.

4. Remove excess oil with a dry cloth.

Lubricate other components

Pay particular attention to the components of the bike that are sensitive to moisture: the handles, the brakes...

Brakes are louder and less effective when wet. It is therefore not recommended to wet these elements during cleaning.

As for the other components, a Teflon bicycle lubricant is recommended.

- Cables and sheaths: Pour a drop of oil at the entrance and exit of the derailleur and brake housings while operating the mechanism. The lubricant allows more flexibility and protects these elements against moisture.

- Derailleurs: Lubricate the joints and the springs with a few drops of oil.

- Quick releases: Put a drop of oil on the side where the lever pivots, then on the seatpost and the center hinge of the wheels.

- The brakes: Pour a drop on the pivot of the brake calipers if it is a racing bike. Regularly bleed the brake fluid if the bike is equipped with hydraulic brakes.

Do a complete check-up regularly

This is to guarantee your safety. Checking that parts are not worn out and that the bike is working properly is essential when you own one.

Chain wear is one of the first indicators of the overall wear of your transmission, and therefore of your bike.

You can simply measure this wear using a bike chain wear tester.

The tires : It is essential to check the tire pressure.

Refer to the instructions on your tires and adjust the pressure bar depending on different elements the total weight (i.e. with you on it), the ground or the weather conditions. Check wheel spokes.

The brakes: Apply your brakes to check the condition of your pads. If they are too worn, now is the time to change them!

The tightenings: Start par check the tightness of the wheels. Then, those of the saddle, the stem (once par month).

The derailleurs: Before completing your check-up, you need to check that your derailleurs are working properly by testing the gear shift and tightening/loosening them as needed.