What do you need to know about bicycle maintenance?

A bicycle, like a car, requires maintenance, especially since a good, high-quality bike tailored to your needs is a significant investment. What should you pay attention to in order to make your bike last as long as possible? Essentially, the same things you would pay attention to when driving a car – maintaining cleanliness, using the correct lubricants, checking the brakes, regularly checking tire pressure, performing regular inspections, replacing worn parts, and always paying attention if the bike makes suspicious noises.

Cleanliness – Not Just an Aesthetic Matter

Dirt is not just an aesthetic issue. Various substances sticking to the bike frame, such as tree sap, bird droppings, or simple mud, chemically interact with the paint, causing it to lose its shine and color, which can eventually lead to peeling and corrosion. Dirt getting between the chain links is particularly harmful – pedaling becomes less efficient, and the chain wears out faster.

How to clean your bike? Spray the dirty areas of the bike frame with a cleaning solution and then wipe it off with a cloth, sponge, or special brushes. Try not to scratch the frame. You can find bicycle care products here.

Do not use a high-pressure washer – it can damage seals, bearings, and other sensitive parts. Before cleaning an electric bike, turn off the system, and to protect the connections, it is recommended to leave the battery inside the frame.

Why It's Important to Regularly Check Tire Pressure

Proper tire pressure affects the bike's speed, braking quality, traction, rider comfort, and safety, as well as tire wear. Too low tire pressure damages the tire over time.

Experts recommend checking tire pressure with a manometer before every ride, as pressure changes with air temperature. The recommended minimum and maximum pressure is indicated on the tire sidewall. The appropriate pressure depends on the circumstances – weather conditions, road surface, tire size, and rider weight. In rainy weather or on rough surfaces, it is recommended to slightly reduce the pressure, while on hard, dry surfaces, slightly increase it. Wider tires require lower pressure, while narrower tires require higher pressure. The heavier the rider, the higher the pressure should be. It is recommended to inflate the rear tire, which bears more weight, slightly more.

If you use stationary compressors to inflate your bike tires, be careful – compressors generate high pressure, and if delayed, the tube can explode.

Why It's Important to Regularly Check Your Bike Brakes

Brake pads wear out – both in cars and on bikes.

The most popular and common bike brakes are V-brakes, hydraulic disc brakes, and mechanical disc brakes.

If your bike has V-brakes, check if the brake pads are worn, if the cables are rusty, and if the brake itself compresses and releases easily. Regularly check the brake pads. If they are 80% worn, they need to be replaced.

Hydraulic disc brakes become "soft" over time – if this happens, it means air has entered the brake fluid and needs to be replaced. It's important to choose the right brake fluid and ensure it is not expired. Do not get fluid on the pads – if this happens, the brakes will squeak and lose their effectiveness. Also, do not overfill the reservoir, as the pads will start rubbing against the brake disc. Check the hydraulic brake hoses for wear. It is best to replace the brake fluid at a bike service. If you ride regularly, it is recommended to change the brake fluid once per season.

Mechanical disc brakes also become "soft" over time – this means that the cables are worn, stretched, or incorrectly adjusted. If you have been riding for a while, you can adjust the cable yourself using a special screw at the lever. Otherwise, this issue can be easily resolved at any bike service.

Why It's Important to Regularly Maintain Your Bike Chain

The chain is one of the most important components of a bike.

How is it done? You will need brushes, a cloth, a degreaser, and lubricant. You can buy a special chain cleaner at specialized stores. Spray the dirty chain with a degreaser, wait 5 minutes, then scrub off the dirt with a brush. You can find quality chain cleaning brushes here. Then rinse with water and wipe with a clean cloth. After cleaning the chain, lubricate it with the chosen lubricant or wax. Oil is more suitable for wet weather as it is less likely to wash off in the rain, but it is sticky and attracts dirt. Wax is more suitable for dry weather, as it attracts less dirt, but the chain will need to be lubricated more often.

Ensure the chain is properly tensioned. An overly tight chain affects gear shifting accuracy, while a loose chain can fall off the gears. The chain stretches from wear, and when it wears out, it is important to replace it – a well-maintained chain slows down the wear of other drivetrain components. To measure chain wear, you can buy a special tool.

If Your Bike Makes Noise – It's Trying to Tell You Something

Listen to your bike. Any noise it makes signals a problem, so pay attention. A creaking sound can mean it's time to replace the bottom bracket bearings. A squeaking sound can indicate it's time to lubricate the chain. If the bike saddle squeaks, lubricate the seat post with a special paste.

A Technical Inspection – Necessary for Both Cars and Bikes

No matter what type of bike you ride: mountain (MTB), gravel, road, hybrid, electric, triathlon, fixed gear, or children's, just like cars, all types of bikes require regular technical inspections. Before or after the season, check the brake pads, gear cables, and chain. If these parts are worn, replace them. Check if any bolts are loose and tighten them if necessary. Make sure the bearings are not noisy and the wheels are not bent.

If you go to a bike service, your bike will be inspected by professionals who know their job well.