Spring has sprung and its time for bike maintenance

by Pip Read - World and Australian Masters Champion rider

Winter is finally over and that means its time to do some much needed maintenance on the trusty steed. It has been ridden in all sorts of weather and is in much need of some TLC, so I thought I would give you my after winter to-do-list which describes how I spend a few hours in the garage, giving my bikes a good scrub and close look over.

The first thing I did this year was get a decent radio! I have been listening to heaps of static over the past few weeks and now I've sorted the new radio I can at least listen to people talking and even (shock horror some music).

Next I gave the garage a decent clean out dust and sweep, cleaned the tools I would be using and made sure that I had all the equipment I needed such as oil, rags, RP7, metholyated spirits (good to use as it evaporates and leaves no trace). You'd be surprised how much better it makes the whole process having everything clean and close to hand.

When was the last time I changed the chain? I usually record this information and when I checked by chain should last the next few months. But then I would be heading to the LBC (local bike shop) for a replacement. A chain wear tool is also a good investment. I use RP7 to clean the chain, chain rings and the rear derailleur including the jockey wheels. If it is really dirty I remove and clean. Note: if this is the case then oil the chain later.

To clean the brake blocks I remove the wheels and use a clean cloth with metholyated spirits and rub. A good idea is to check the wear indicators and replace if needed; and while the wheels are removed use another clean cloth and again with metho, clean the braking surface of the wheel rim. If it's really grotty you can carefully use a scourer. At the same time spray some RP7 on the cluster and with the edge of a cloth, clean as much as possible.

Clean and inspect the frame, again use RP7 and a clean cloth, lubricate the cable guide at the bottom of the bottom bracket. Note: never over lubricate. A little is better than a lot. Don't worry about the cables at this stage we will get to them later. Now is the best time to make sure that all is well with the frame. Check for deep scratches, dents, rust and worst of all cracks. If you have a metal frame spray some RP7 in the drain holes.

Check for wear in the bottom bracket i.e. any sideways movement or grinding noises when you spin the cranks with out the chain.

Before you re-fit the wheels squeeze the brakes together with you hands so you can expose the inner brake cable and lightly lubricate with chain oil. Re fit the wheels and if you are using a stand, place the bike back on the floor and centre the wheels by holding the bike upright with the front wheel straight. With practice the wheels will self centre. Now put the rear derailleur on the biggest cog, then without spinning the wheel click through the gears so the cable is slack and disconnect the outer cables and you will be able to (if necessary) clean and then lightly lubricate the cables. Put everything back into place and hey presto, you have clean, crisp gear changes again.

Now the chain, jockey wheels, and rear cluster are clean, or you have replaced the above, add the oil. First of all, while spinning the pedals backward, slowly dribble oil on the chain for a short time, something like one or two revolutions. Then stop oiling and keep spinning for a short time. When finished add a few drops on the bearing section of the jockey wheels, then with a clean cloth held around the chain, clean off any excess oil from the chain by spinning the pedals.

There you have it a clean, well maintained bike that will be the envy of the bunch but the most importantly you know that your bike is in good mechanical and safe condition.

Stay safe,

Pip