Basic bike maintenance: chain, brakes and checks before every ride
How to clean and lube your chain, check brakes and tires, the pre-ride check and when to take your bike to the shop.
1. The check before every ride
Spend 2 minutes on the 'ABC' check: Air (tire pressure and tread condition), Brakes (the lever must not reach the bar and pads must grip the rim or disc properly), Chain and gears (clean chain and smooth shifting). Also check that the wheels are tight and that the bar and saddle have no play.
2. Cleaning and lubing the chain
A dirty chain wears the drivetrain much faster. Every 150-300 km (or after wet rides) wipe it with a rag and a suitable degreaser, rinse, dry and apply a drop of lube on each link. Spin the pedals, let it soak in a few minutes and wipe off the excess: too much lube attracts dirt.
Use 'dry' lube for dry days and 'wet' lube for rain and mud.
3. Brakes and tires
Pads worn to the indicator must be replaced immediately; with disc brakes, watch for metallic noises or poor bite. Check tires for cuts, cracks, glass or stones lodged in the tread. Always carry a spare tube, tire levers and a pump or CO2 cartridge.
Learn to change a tube at home, calmly: you'll need it on the road.
4. When to go to the shop
A full service once a year, or every 3,000-5,000 km, includes checking bearings, headset, cables and housing, wheel truing and chain replacement. Measuring chain wear with a gauge (replace at roughly 0.5-0.75% stretch) saves the cassette and chainrings, which cost much more.
Log maintenance on Velunite, in the maintenance section, to know when to act.
FAQ
How often should I lube the chain?
About every 150-300 km or after any wet or muddy ride.
Can I wash my bike with a pressure washer?
Better not: pressurised water can get into bearings. Use a bucket, sponge and low-pressure water.
How often should the chain be replaced?
It depends on use and care: roughly every 3,000-5,000 km, ideally by measuring wear with a gauge.