The cycling season has begun – we’re sure you’ve already had a chance to take your bike for a ride this year. But are you sure you prepared it properly? Unfortunately, cyclists tend to forget about basic servicing of their two-wheelers, and some don’t pay attention to it at all. This is a big mistake that can result in damage or faster wear of individual components. From today’s text you will learn what preparations are worth having in your home workshop. Thanks to them your bike will always be in perfect condition!

What will you learn from this post?

  • What products can you use to wash the frame and other parts of the bike?
  • What preparations are recommended for the maintenance of a bicycle chain?
  • Why should you have a bicycle rack in your home workshop?

At a glance

Every cyclist should carry out basic maintenance on his unicycle once in a while. They include not only thorough cleaning, but also maintenance of parts that are particularly prone to rapid wear, such as the chain. Your own home workshop should not lack a professional bicycle stand to help you with basic bicycle service.

What do you wash the frame with?

You should wash your bicycle frame thoroughly before performing any maintenance. You’ll do it with warm water, a brush, a sponge and… dishwashing liquid. Yes – even the cheapest dishwashing liquid is already able to deal with dirt, such as sand, mud or grease residues. Since such comprehensive cleaning of the bicycle is usually carried out at greater intervals, the residue on the frame is sometimes heavily dried. Just pour water over it and wait 10-15 minutes for the dirt layer to soften, which will facilitate further action.

Standard shampoo or all-purpose soap, diluted with water, is also a good alternative to dish liquid. Some cyclists also use shampoos to wash their cars. However, if you want a quick and professional result, you can invest in a special bike wash, such as a brand from Kross, Finish Line or Sonax. These agents can be used on both painted and matte surfaces (see label). They allow convenient application and, once applied, leave a protective coating that lasts for a long time on the bike. These are universal preparations, and therefore you will also successfully use them to wash other components of your unicycle, such as handlebar wraps, saddle, shock absorbers and brakes.

How to approach driveline maintenance?

Cleaning the bicycle chain

The chain is the heart of the bicycle, so its proper maintenance is one of the most important things you need to remember. At the same time, it is one of the fastest-dirtying components on a bicycle. To clean it, you can use:

  • Degreaser – this can be extraction gasoline or technical acetone. You will carry out cleaning with degreaser without removing the chain (using a cloth – this is one of the least effective ways, but in most cases it passes the test) or after removing it, immersing it in a container with the preparation for several hours.
  • Degreaser/degreaser spray – a quick and convenient solution when, for example, you are on the road and time is of the essence. Motorex, Shimano, Finish Line or classic WD-40 sprays will work great in the home bicycle workshop and in the field. There are also biodegradable, environmentally friendly formulations on the market, such as Muc-Off brand chain degreasers.
  • Special chain cleaning machine – the device is equipped with rotary brushes located on the inside. After pouring the solvent into the reservoir (preparation included in the kit), put the razor on the chain and turn the cranks, all the time holding the handle. This is one of the most effective methods of chain maintenance, because it allows the chain to be thoroughly cleaned both chemically and mechanically. Among others, there are available on the market. devices from Weldtite or Park Tool.

Bicycle chain maintenance

After thoroughly cleaning and drying the chain, you must lubricate it. For this purpose, you will need a professional lubricant that will protect the chain from dirt and corrosion and extend its life. The choice of chain lubricant depends mainly on the weather conditions in which you ride most often. So you’ll find lubricants for dry conditions (which repel dust and dirt), for wet conditions (designed for use in water and mud) and universal lubricants. When it comes to chain maintenance on a bicycle, there is no room for experimentation – choose preparations only from reputable manufacturers such as Motorex, Rohloff (makers of excellent multi-speed hubs), Fenwick’s or Momum.

What about the other parts that make up the drivetrain on a bicycle? Components such as derailleurs and derailleur wheels, sprocket cassette and crankset discs generally do not require lubrication and should be avoided. These components should only be lubricated after they have been disassembled and cleaned.

Bike stand – indispensable when cleaning and maintaining a unicycle

During service work, the bicycle should stand still. An ordinary bike leg may not be enough – especially when washing the frame with a pressure washer, where there is a risk of the bike shifting or even tipping over completely. Leaning it against a wall is not a good idea either. With help comes a professional bicycle stand that will hold your bike stably and securely. It takes up little space, is functional and handy, and is resistant to mechanical damage. So it will work great in your home bicycle workshop. With its help you will carry out the necessary service work, as well as impressively display your two wheels.

Looking for professional bicycle racks? Necessary familiarize yourself with the offer of the rtrbikes.com store. There you will find hangers and racks that will be perfect for your home bicycle workshop!

Image source: shutterstock.com