How to care for a bicycle chain. Taking care of your bicycle is the key to safe riding. Preparing your bike for the summer season

Remove accessories from the steering wheel. This could be a flashlight, a horn, etc. If you have V-brakes, release the brake cables. Starting with the front brake, press the pads against the rim to release the cable tension. Then release the cable by sliding it through the top and repeat the same procedure with the rear brake.

Turn the bike upside down. To avoid scratching your grips and saddle, lay an old towel or rag on the ground (or fork out a couple hundred and get a special stand). From one side of the bike, grab the frame from the other side - with one hand on the bottom of the frame and the other on the part of the frame where the seatpost goes. Then lift the bike and turn it over.

• Another option: hang the bike by the saddle. To protect the bottom of the saddle, use a branch or rafter to protect it. When the bicycle is suspended right side up, the chain is in a special position, under the influence of gravity.
• Another option: hang it. Hang your bike behind the balcony by wrapping a rope around the handlebars and then tying it to the balcony and to the seat.

It is quite easy to keep the bicycle in well-maintained condition, always ready to ride. This will also help reduce the cost of subsequent repairs. After all, if you determine in time that it is time to change, for example, a bearing and immediately correct this problem, without waiting for the whole unit to suddenly fail during a race, then you can save a lot of time and money. If you don't pay attention to your bike, you risk bringing it to such a state that minor replacements alone won't do the trick.

Therefore, it is useful to implement a bicycle inspection schedule, divided into daily, weekly and annual, more detailed information about which you will find below.

Daily inspection

This may seem too far-fetched, but there are a few things you need to check before every trip.

Tires

Check the inflation of your bicycle tires before you go for a ride, depending on the road conditions: 4 atmospheres for a smooth road with a hard surface, 3 atmospheres for a moderately bumpy road, again with a hard surface, 2 atmospheres for a route where there is soft ground.

Steering wheel

Make sure the handlebars are level, at the correct height, and are firmly secured to the stem and the stem to the head tube.

Saddle

Make sure the saddle is level, at the correct height and well secured.

Brakes

As you push the bike forward, check the effectiveness of the brakes (how much each brake can lock the wheel) by pressing the brake lever about 2 centimeters from the handlebars.

Transfers

Lift the rear wheel off the ground and, using your hand to rotate the pedals, change gears, checking all combinations.

Weekly check-up

After riding your bike for at least a week, you should clean it and follow all daily inspection instructions, and in addition to the above, do the following.

Wheels

Check for broken spokes in the wheels, as well as their vibration. To do this, lift the wheel above the ground and spin it slowly. Fix your gaze on one point, for example, on the brake pad. If the wheel vibrates from side to side in relation to the point where you fix your gaze, it requires repair.

Brakes

Check what happens if you press the brake lever all the way. The brake pads must press the edge of the rim with their entire surface. Adjust the brakes if this does not happen.

Tires

Inspect the tires for visible damage, scuffs, remove foreign objects stuck in the tread, or replace the tires if necessary.

Connecting rods

Using a wrench, tighten the bolts that hold the connecting rods to the carriage.

General check

Check that all other bolts and screws are tight, that all moving parts of the bike move freely, and that everything is adjusted correctly. Repair or replace any damaged parts.

Lubrication

Lubricate all parts marked with arrows in the figure with special lubricant. Excess grease should be wiped off.

Annual inspection/monthly inspection when riding in sport mode

If you use a bicycle all year round, then the procedure described below must be performed twice a year, and if you ride in sports mode; then every month. In this case, the bike will be like new and will last a lifetime, unless, of course, you damage the frame. If you only use your bike during the good weather season, carry out this work at the end of the season, then at the beginning of the next, weekly inspections will be sufficient.

So, during your annual inspection, do the following: First, carry out all the work described in the “Weekly Inspection” section, noting which parts require special attention, since these are the ones that may require repair or replacement. Next, follow the list below.

Wheels

First of all, inspect the wheels for damage to the rims and tires, and then remove them.

Check the bushings for play (the wheel should rotate freely, but not be overtightened, and there should be no play). It is preferable to disassemble and lubricate the bushings.

Chain

Remove the chain and measure the length of a 100-link segment. Replace the entire chain if the length exceeds 129.5 cm. If the chain begins to stretch, it is a sign of wear, and this can lead to damage to the transmission. Additionally, a worn chain will also wear down the front and rear sprockets. If the chain is not too worn, simply wash it in solvent, lubricate it immediately (to prevent rust) and put it back in place.

Carriage

Check it for ease of rotation. If the carriage is repairable, remove the connecting rod, disassemble and repair the bearing. To repair cartridge bearings, it is better to contact a service center.

Steering column

Make sure it rotates easily. It is preferable to disassemble it and lubricate the bearings.

Switches

With the chain removed, clean, inspect and lubricate both derailleurs, making sure that the shaft operates smoothly and that the small wheels on the rear derailleur turn freely. Repair or replace them if necessary.

Shock absorbers

Shock absorbers are rather complex parts of a bicycle. It is advisable not to lose descriptions of their maintenance and to inspect and replace their components, contact a qualified bicycle mechanic.

Cleaning your bike

It is necessary to wash your bicycle as it gets dirty: at least once a month in dry weather and much more often in damp weather.

Washing procedure:

1. If your bike is dry, go over it with a soft brush or cloth to remove all dirt and dust. If your bike or the dirt on it is wet, rinse it with plenty of clean water. Avoid getting water into the bushings, carriage and steering column bearings.

2. Wipe all hard-to-reach areas with a wet cloth. Wrap a screwdriver in a damp cloth and clean the gaps between the front and rear sprockets, the derailleur shaft, etc.

3. Let the bike dry completely.

After this, the chain and possibly other components need to be lubricated.
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A bicycle is an excellent street transport that will give you an unforgettable travel experience, add strength and health, and also quickly deliver you to the desired geographical point. The combination of all these delights is achieved not only by the advanced brand of the bicycle, but also by its good technical condition.

Periodic inspection of all main components, timely replacement of failed ones and maintenance of already installed parts, as well as proper storage - all this will avoid major costly repairs and maximize the life of the bicycle. In this article we will look at how to properly care for your bicycle.

Technical condition inspection

In order for a bicycle to always be a joy to travel with, not to suddenly break down on the way, and to eliminate health risks, it requires a thorough check. There is nothing complicated, as usual, the instructions are simple and include a series of inspections:

• everyday, just before the trip;
• weekly;
• seasonal.

Before you take your bike out for a walk, be sure to check the brakes and steering wheel. The requirements for the brake system are instantaneous operation of the mechanism when the lever is pressed and unworn pads. The braking surface, whether rim or disc, must be dry and clean. In the case of a foot drum brake, everything is simple - it should immediately stop the wheel when you press the pedals back.

For disc brakes it is important: precise adjustment, minimal clearance, clean disc surface

Correctly positioned steering wheel is perpendicular to the direction of the wheel. Before leaving, the reliability of its attachment to the column is checked. The steering wheel must be adjusted to a comfortable height, but not higher than the limit mark. must be firmly engaged with the bicycle fork and also sufficiently lubricated.

It is necessary to check the tire pressure every time. The condition of the wheel as a whole and the ease of riding depend on how much the wheels are inflated. It is advisable to strictly adhere to the prescribed pressure for this type of tire.

Weekly bike inspection includes:

• checking brake adjustment;
• pulling the connecting rods to the carriage;
• checking all bolted and eccentric fastenings;
• lubricate parts as necessary.

Adjusting the brakes shows how accurately they will operate. This, in turn, determines their durability. So, with disc brakes, adjusting the distances and cable tension is fundamentally important. Without it, the system will quickly begin to wear out. However, this also applies to rim brakes.

The accuracy of torque transmission to the stars depends on the attachment of the connecting rods to the carriage assembly. High-speed road bikes will most often require such adjustments.

The fastenings of wheels, handlebars, saddles, fenders, brakes and additional canopies must be secured all the way. Every week we inspect all parts where lubricant is applied.

And carefully wipe off excess grease and dirt with a clean cloth.

Mandatory before and after the cycling season:

• bushings for defects and malfunctions;
• integrity of rims and spokes;
• for damage to the sprockets;
• measuring chain wear.

In general, you need to check your bike constantly and comprehensively so that it does not upset you with unpleasant surprises along the way.

Washing the bike, cleaning and lubricating parts

Caring for a bicycle is not only about constantly checking it, but also about servicing all those parts that are in use. Those mechanisms that are in close contact with the road are subject to the greatest wear:

• wheel bushings;
• carriage;
• stars and switches;
• chain.

Wheel hubs should not be washed under pressure. Direct contact with water should be avoided. When washing a bicycle after mud and rain, you need to carefully go around them with a damp cloth, then thoroughly lubricate them. Driving on dry, dusty roads also has an impact. The lubricant dries out and dust may accumulate. Therefore, even if the bike does not require washing, it is advisable to wipe the bushings and then lubricate them.

Carriage maintenance:

• leak testing;
• removing dirt and sand from the axle between the connecting rods and the glass;
• Apply a small amount of lubricant to these areas.

This simple procedure will prevent dirt from penetrating into the carriage bearings, which will increase the service life of the unit.

Switches must be kept extremely clean. Despite their protection from external conditions, dirt can still penetrate there. To be sure of the long service life of the devices, they also need to be wiped with a slightly damp cloth from time to time.

Caring for a bicycle chain and sprockets is a mandatory procedure, regardless of the conditions and frequency of riding. Of course, you will have to clean out the dirt after extreme off-road trips more often, but ordinary people who like to ride in the city should not relax on this score.
The chain and sprockets are washed and lubricated at the same time. When manually cleaning with brushes, the bike will have to be disassembled. If a chain washer is used, disassembly is not necessary.

And of course, a comprehensive wash, especially after those rainy trips. Washing with a hose, and especially a Karcher, requires mandatory lubrication of all components where it is necessary:

• steering column;
• seat springs;
• carriage unit;
• chain and sprockets;
• edges of wheel hubs.

When securing the wheels with nuts after disassembling the bicycle, you can apply a little grease to the threads of the axle so that the nuts are easier to tighten and the axle itself does not turn.

Taking care of your mountain bike also means keeping the shock absorbers in good condition. Over time, the springs sag and the damper fails. They also require adjustment. If a problem occurs with the suspension fork or rear suspension, it is better to contact a workshop and have the problem fixed there.

Bicycle storage rules

Storage is as integral a part of bike care as maintenance. Proper storage comes down to the following points:

• separate place;
• purity;
• lack of high humidity;
• uniform temperature.

Storage locations can be very diverse: corner, wall, mezzanine, garage, utility room. It is highly not recommended to keep a bicycle on an unheated balcony, even a covered one. High humidity in winter, dryness in summer, daily temperature changes - all this is extremely harmful to the frame, wheels and mechanisms.

With this approach the bike will not last long

Dust, dirt and, especially, water are also very harmful to a bicycle during long-term storage. The place where the bike will wait out of season must be kept clean. It is also worth allocating at least a little space for the bicycle and positioning it so that it does not interfere. If the room is unsuitable for storage (for example, dusty or with high humidity), and there are no other options, you can use an airtight case.

A properly functioning bicycle is the key to long, enjoyable and rewarding cycling trips. Regular checks, timely maintenance and proper storage will not only allow you to use the full potential of your bicycle, but also extend its service life.

Many cyclists have a saying: “If you love to ride, you also know how to take care of your bike.” And indeed it is. After all, after riding on a polluted road, the bike will quickly break down and many parts will have to be replaced. To prevent this from happening, cyclists need to regularly maintain their bicycles; only then will they last a long time and perform efficiently. This primarily applies to those bicycles that are intended for everyday riding. They need to be looked after more often and more carefully than those that are used only for their intended purpose (mountain, sports). In this article we will look at a number of manipulations that will extend the life of your bike. Every cyclist should know this.

Regular maintenance of your bicycle will not create many problems and will not take up a lot of free time. First of all, let's note the devices that we will need when cleaning the bike. These include:

• A thick washcloth for washing a bicycle, it is not necessary to use a new one;
• Any dry rag, either regular or cotton, will do;
• A brush with durable plastic bristles (you can use an old toothbrush for hard-to-reach places);
• Any detergent (you can use car shampoo).

When purchasing this type of transport, you must take care of bicycle care products.

How to properly clean and lubricate a bicycle chain

First of all, let's talk about the bicycle chain. A person who doesn’t understand this may wonder what could happen to her, she’s made of iron?! Once upon a time they didn’t even pay attention to this, they lubricated it and drove freely around the village. But it all depends on the amount of driving. If you rarely use your bike and ride only in dry, good weather, then you won’t have to change the chain often. But if you use it as a regular means of transport, or ride in extreme and bad weather, then that’s a different question. With frequent riding, parts tend to wear out, and most often this applies specifically to the chain.

The chains on modern bicycles are designed to last about 2000 km, but if you take good care of them, they can last longer. When a chain loses its basic functionality, it will often fall off, stretch out, and begin to wear through the teeth on the chainrings. If this problem is not corrected in time, you will have to replace the entire cassette, including the sprocket. And such a procedure will cost much more than replacing the chain. Chain wear can be determined in different ways. Some cyclists use a ruler or special measuring equipment; experienced professionals can determine wear by eye. If the chain pulls away from the sprocket easily and freely, then it has lost its strength and therefore needs to be replaced.

To extend the life of your bike, the first thing you need to do is clean your chain regularly. To do this, you can use a special chain cleaning machine, but if you use it frequently, there simply won’t be enough time for such a procedure. The best and fastest way is to clean with a cloth. You can directly moisten it in a solution of kerosene or white alcohol, and wipe the chain well while turning the pedals. When you have free time, do not be lazy to completely remove the chain from the bicycle and hold it in a kerosene solution for a while.

The next procedure is to lubricate the chain. Today there are plenty of means for this, and everyone will choose something suitable for themselves. But the most popular and frequently used lubricant is Weldtite oil. This manufacturer has both cheap analogues and more expensive lubricants. It is not recommended to use Solidol or Litol for lubrication; after applying them, even more dust and dirt will settle on the chain, which will negatively affect its operation. Lubrication of the chain is a very simple procedure. To do this, you need to use either a small bottle with a narrow neck or a regular syringe. We place it on the edge of the chain and pour the liquid into the links. After this, you need to crank the pedals several times so that the oil spreads along the entire length of the chain and remove excess stains. That's it, the chain is lubricated and ready for use.

Taking care of the stars and brakes

While riding a bicycle, such components of this vehicle as system stars and cassettes also come into contact with dirt. Caring for the system stars is not difficult, you just need to regularly clean them with a rag and a brush, which can remove dirt from hard-to-reach places. Cassette stars require extra time to maintain. They often get grass wrapped around themselves, which is very difficult to remove. The best way is to completely remove the wheel, so you can get as much access to the contaminated areas of the cassette as possible. To clean the stars in this case, you will need something thin and durable, for example, a knitting needle or a long rope. Insert these parts into the gap between the stars and begin cleaning.

The main task of a bicycle is high-quality and safe movement. The brakes, in turn, are responsible for safety, and they are a very important component of the bicycle. In no case should you ignore a brake malfunction, because the unexpected can happen during high-speed driving. Bicycle models with foot brakes do not require frequent maintenance, but bicycles with disc or rim brakes must be checked regularly. First of all, what you need to pay attention to is the degree of wear of the pads themselves. If you often drive on poor roads or at fast speeds, your brake pads will wear out quickly. It is necessary to clean dirt from the brakes under any operating conditions, this way you will increase their service life and thereby ensure your safety.

Suspension fork maintenance

This part of the bicycle design requires attention. If an elastomer fork is installed on a bicycle, it does not require frequent maintenance due to its simplicity in design. Another thing is spring-oil and air-oil shock absorbers. In addition to cleaning them from dirt, they need to be lubricated periodically, and this will require certain skills. If this is your first time encountering this, it is better to contact a service where they can carry out this procedure without any extra effort. When purchasing a bicycle, the owner is provided with instructions that clearly state how often the suspension fork needs to be lubricated.

In addition to the above-mentioned bicycle configurations, there are others that also require regular maintenance. These may include the steering column, bushing or frame. If you do not have the opportunity to clean all the parts at the same time, you can alternate them. But in any case, do not ignore this process, so as not to ruin the bike.

Daily bike care

To prevent a bike ride from turning into a nightmare, you need to carefully inspect the vehicle before leaving. The first thing that should attract your attention is the wheels; they should be well inflated. If just yesterday you were riding a bicycle, and today the tire is already flat, then there is a reason for this. In this case, you may need to replace the camera; if the hole is small, you can seal it. To do this, you need to remove the tube from the wheel, inflate it tightly and lower it into the water. In the place where the bubbles appeared, we look for the puncture site and lightly mark it with a pencil. After such water procedures, the camera needs to be dried, glue should be applied to the puncture site and a rubber patch should be glued. After 15 minutes, you can safely install the wheel on your bike and hit the road.

The second stage includes checking the brakes. To do this, you need to spin the raised wheel several times and sharply press the brake lever. If the wheel stops, then the brakes are functioning well; if not, you need to try to fix the problem. It is worth paying attention to the bicycle handlebars. If the fastening is loosened, it may be skewed or loose. In this case, you need to tighten the fastening bolts and the steering wheel will take the desired position. Such a check will not take you much time, but the trip will be of high quality and safe.

It is preferable to wash your bike outside or near a pond. This is much more difficult to do in an apartment, although many cyclists have no other option. There are places that need to be protected from water. For example, it is best to wipe wheel hubs with bearings with a damp cloth. Water that gets inside the frame can cause corrosion, resulting in the bike becoming unusable.

If a large amount of dirt has stuck to it while riding a bicycle, you should not clean it off with a knife or other sharp objects. This way you can damage the paint on the bike, and this, firstly, will ruin its appearance, and secondly, will cause corrosion. It is better to wet the contaminated areas with water and wait a little; the dirt can then be removed with a rag or sponge. If you want your bike to please you all the time, a complete cleaning must be carried out at least 3-4 times a season. After each trip, don’t be lazy to wipe off the dust; it won’t take you much time, but dirt won’t accumulate. If you get caught in the rain, you don’t need to wait for the dirt to dry; do aesthetic cleaning on time.

This article contains all the essential care information that will be useful to every cyclist. If it is not possible to carry out these procedures yourself, you can use the services of a service that can provide you with comprehensive cleaning and lubrication of your vehicle.

Do you want your bike to last as long as possible? To do this, you need to properly care for it. We will tell you how in this article.

A bicycle, like any vehicle, has its own lifespan; its elements wear out and become unusable. In order to extend this period as much as possible, you need to monitor your two-wheeled friend and change worn parts in a timely manner.

The main parts subject to wear are: tires, wheel and carriage bearings, brakes and transmission (chain, rear and front sprockets). Here we will teach you how to care for them correctly.

Bicycle tires

Bearings

Every time before using the bicycle, check for play in the wheels - try shaking the wheel from side to side, perpendicular to the bicycle. If you feel even a slight free play, you need to fix it urgently, otherwise the wheel will become unusable. Contact a specialist or reassemble the bushing yourself.

Transmission

Attention! Do not wash the transmission with a high pressure washer! High water pressure breaks through the bearing protection and washes out the lubricant, which will only lead to more wear.

Ready? Place the bike on the rack. If you don’t have one, you can put it on the steering wheel and seat with its wheels upside down. Be sure to place something under the seat and grips to prevent damage.

Use a sponge, water, and bike degreaser or foam to remove dirt from the frame, wheels, and brakes. Treat the brake pads especially carefully with a degreaser.

Shift gears to extreme position. Use a transmission cleaning brush to remove any coarse dirt from the front and rear sprockets.

Now soak a sponge in degreaser and clean the grease off the stars.

Attach a scraper to your bicycle chain, fill it with gasoline or degreaser, and begin pedaling counterclockwise. Change the gasoline or degreaser in the scraper two to three times until the chain is completely clean.

If you don't have a chain scraper, you can use WD-40 or penetrating lubricant to remove dirt. After this cleaning step, be sure to go over the chain with a sponge to remove any remaining dirt.

How to lubricate a chain?

Lubrication of the chain takes about two minutes. To lubricate the chain, you will need a stand, liquid bicycle oil in an oil can, and paper or cleaning cloth.

Attention! Only a clean chain can be lubricated! Otherwise, oil and dirt turn into an abrasive - a grinding mixture - and greatly increase the degree of wear.

Place the bike on the rack. If there is no rack, turn the bike over by placing something under the saddle and grips.

While pedaling counterclockwise, pour oil onto the chain from the oil can. To avoid using up the oil too quickly, you can add a drop to each chain link. Make two or three full turns of the chain under the oil.

Now, for maximum effective penetration of lubricant into the chain, rotate the pedals counterclockwise, while simultaneously switching speeds from first to maximum and back. The chain will bend and oil will seep in. Make at least ten full turns of the chain.

Instead of standard lubricant, you can use a spray lubricant - in this case, you can skip the previous point.

Once you have completed lubrication, remove any remaining oil from the outside of the chain using paper or cloth. The chain should be dry and clean to the touch. All lubricant remains inside.

Treat your bike with care, change worn parts on time, wash regularly and it will serve you for a very long time!