The General Upkeep of Your Bicycle

If you've just bought a brand new bicycle that you'd like to keep in pristine condition, or perhaps you ride an older bike that you'd like to keep for a few more year, bike maintenance is essential to increasing a bike's longevity.
 
Bike upkeep involves six major components:
  • cleaning
  • chain
  • handlebars
  • seat
  • pedals
  • wheels.
Ideally, you should check these six areas after each bike ride.
 

Cleaning Bikes

The benefits of cleaning your bike go beyond looks. Removing dirt, dust and mud allows you to spot any cracks, bent parts or other items that demand repair.
 
You can wash your bicycle in as little as 10 minutes with a sponge and some soap (dish washing soap is fine). Experts recommend washing a dirty bike twice: once with a cloth, and a second time with a sponge. Warm water gives the best results. Note that washing a bike in the sun typically results in spots and dull paint, so pick a shady area.
 
Extremely dirty bikes may require a degreaser, a product you can spray on the bicycle to dissolve greasy deposits, which may be left by oil.
 
The next step is to dry the bike with a rag or chamois. Then, apply lubricant to the chain and gears. The correct application of the lubricant drives water out of these "nooks and crannies."
 
One note of caution when washing your bicycle: don't use a pressure washer. Bike bearings can be damaged by the force. If you're using a hose to wash your bike, keep the spray to a light shower.

The Bicycle Chain

A neglected bicycle chain can cause unpleasant, squeaky rides, or event difficulty pedaling. To clean the chain, wipe it clean with a rag. Then use an old toothbrush to clean between the sprockets.
 
Beyond keeping the chain clean, you should check it after every few rides to ensure that it's properly lubricated. Experts recommend lubricating the chain at least once a month. You can run lube along the length of the chain, and then run the chain through its length at a high speed. Wipe off the excess lubricant remaining on the chain.

Take a Seat

Don't overlook the importance of the seat in the general upkeep of your bike. Examine the position of the saddle to ensure that it's horizontal, and test the angle for comfort.
 
Seat position can contribute to the success of your rides. Saddles placed too low inhibit leg strength for proper pedaling. For downhill biking, you should keep the seat just low enough to allow you to set your foot down easily, in case you need to stop quickly.

Get a Grip

Handlebars are an often overlooked area of bike maintenance. Experts recommend setting the position of your handlebars after you've adjusted your seat.
 
Check the handlebars up close once in a while. If the bars are getting pulled out, they might fall out during a rough ride. In addition, extra stress is placed on handlebars that are coming out, so they're more likely to break. If you're concerned about your handlebars, have someone in a bike shop take a look. They can recommend replacement or repair if necessary.

Pedals

Pedals are an area of general bicycle upkeep for which you might need the help of an expert. Many bikers recommend using pedals with clips to improve control and reduce fatigue. However, installing new pedals is not a job for a novice. You can also ask for recommendations on clip-pedal styles to buy the style that is best-suited to your needs.

Wheels

Smooth rotation of the wheels is essential to a pleasurable ride.
 
Experts say that if you spin the front wheel of your bicycle, it should keep spinning for a while, without any grinding noises. If you hear noises, or if it doesn't spin for long, the solution is usually hub stripping and re-greasing.
 
Side-to-side movement of the wheel as it spins is commonly attributed to a misalignment of the hub bearings. Both of those can be fixed fairly easily. However, if the rim looks severely bent, your bike may need a new wheel. Wheel adjustments are an intermediate-to-expert project, so bring your bicycle to a pro to address any wheel problems.

Tires

The tires are also very important. If you notice the tread on a tire is uneven, ask your bike shop for an assessment.
 
It is possible to take the wheel off and re-fit the tire if you have the tools and experience. You'll need an air pump, two or three levers and wrenches, and replacement parts. Have an expert teach you how to avoid damage to the inner tube and rim during the process.

Brakes

Brakes fall into the wheel category, since they work together to slow the bike. Most brake styles use the sidewall as a braking surface. If your wheels are not spinning properly, you'll probably experience improper braking. It's not only frustrating, but also highly unsafe. Uneven braking is a question you should raise with a professional at a bike shop.
 
Bike maintenance may seem complicated to the novice. However, you'll gain confidence in your ability to solve problems—a particular advantage when breakdowns occur during a long ride.
 
Resource
 
Driemeyer, Thomas (May 24, 2007). Bicycle Maintenance Guide and Riding Tips. Retrieved April 17, 2008, from the Bitrot Web site.