As with almost all things mechanical, your bicycle needs to be maintained on a periodic basis. If you think that if you keep it inside and don't ride it often, the bike won't need as much maintenance as the one that's kept outside and used all the time, think again. Chances are, you will still need to take your bike to the bike mechanic shop once in while, especially when it concerns stuff that's just too technical for you to deal with, such as bringing back the tension when the cables are stretched. However, there are 3 simple things you can do on your own to keep your bike as well-maintained as possible.
1. Keep the tyres fully inflated all the time. Tyres that are properly inflated are far less likely to get a puncture. Wheel damage is also reduced as fully inflated tyres absorb bumps and shocks. Alright, what sort of bike pump should you get? Preferably a track pump rather than a handheld pump since a track pump is specifically designed to inflate bicycle tyres and has a properly sealed air chamber, among others. Better yet, get a track pump with a gauge, so you will know whether your bike tyres are properly inflated according to their size. Normally, the pressure for a particular type of bike tyre is on the side of the tyre, but if you can't find any, take a look below as a basic guide:
a) Mountain bike with knobby tyres: 40 PSI
b) Mountain bike with road tyres: 60 PSI
c) Hybrid bikes: 60 – 80 PSI
d) Road bikes: 90 – 110 PSI
2. Lubrication. You want to hear the squeaky sound your bicycle chain makes when it's not lubricated? We're pretty sure the answer is no. There are two types of lubricants you need to get your bike well-oiled at all times. Bicycle chain oil for the chain and a PTFE-based spray lubricant for everywhere else. (Google "PTFE lubricants" if you're not sure what it is).
a) Lubricating the chain
Just a few drops onto the top side of the lower section of chain. With your other hand, turn the pedal backwards to rotate the chain as you oil the chain. Remember, just a few drops as a chain with too much oil on it will attract dirt.
b) Lubricating moving parts
A short squirt and a quick wipe will do when you use the PTFE-based spray lubricant on moving parts, which include the rear derailleur, especially the part where it pivots and turns; the inside of the gear shifters and brake levers; where the brakes move against the frame and forks; and where the inner cables come out of their outer sections. Do not spray the part where the brake pads meet the wheel and not anywhere near the disc brakes. Rule of thumb when it comes to lubrication: little and often.
3. Keep your bike inside if you don't use it often, and use it often when you leave it outside. The elements can have a corroding effect on the metal parts of your bike, so Rule No. 2 applies here. But Rule No. 1 is equally important, regardless of how often you ride your bike. A tyre will go completely flat in about three to six months if the bike is not used.
Source: southcoastbikes.co.uk
