It is advisable to lubricate your bike to keep it safe and smooth.lube the chain at least once a month because it will need more attention than other parts.After cleaning it, dry it and apply a liquid bicycle lubricant with a straw nozzle.The derailleur and brake assembly should be Lubricated every few months.To prevent grimy build up that can compromise your bike's performance, always wipe away excess lubricant with a clean, dry rag.
Step 1: If you ride in the rain choose a wet lube.
If you ride frequently on wet, muddy trails and live in a rainy environment, you should get a wet chain lube.Heavy rains and mud won't wash it away.If you live in a dry climate, choose a thinner chain lube.At a bike shop you can find wet and dry bicycle lubricants.It's a good idea to only use lubricants marked for bicycles.Buy one of the lubes if you use your bike frequently.
Step 2: Before lubricating the chain, you should clean and dry it.
It is best to clean your bike's chain before lubricating it.You can spray a clean rag with a bicycle degreaser.You can use your hand to pedal the chain through the rag with the bike in a work stand or propped up.The chain should pass through the rag two or three times.To dry the chain, repeat the technique with another clean rag.
Step 3: Go to the top of the chain.
The top of the bike chain has a straw nozzle that can be touched to one side.The pedals should be moved forward to move the links past the lubricating nozzle.You can repeat the process on the other side of the chain if you want.As you pedal the chain, try not to apply too much lube.Just apply a thin stream, because a little goes a long way.Excess should be wiped away so that you can cover the nooks and crannies.
Step 4: If necessary, lubricate the bottom of the chain.
If you don't want to use a lot of lubricant, there's no need to lubricate the chain.The lubricant should make it to the bottom of the chain.
Step 5: Remove excess lubricant.
After lubricating the chain's top and bottom, you need to get rid of excess lubricant.If you want to move the chain through the rag, you have to grasp it with a clean, dry rag.Continue until you have wiped away all the excess surface lube.Dirt and debris from caking up your chain can be reduced by wiping away the excess surface lube.
Step 6: It is a good idea to clean and dry the derailleurs.
pulleys and cables move your chain between gears when you shift.Clean the pulley wheels and cables with a rag and degreaser.Before lubricating the assemblies, use a second clean rag.
Step 7: The pulley wheels can be touched with a straw.
The straw nozzle is at the center of the pulley wheel.You can lubricate the wheel by pedaling backward a few revolutions.You should repeat the sequence for your bike pulleys.You should use a lube marked for bicycles.Depending on your local conditions, go with a product marked for wet or dry weather.
Step 8: Take care of the pivot points and levers.
As you shift gears or brake, there are several points at which your derailleur assembly and brakes pivot or move in and out of place.Once you have lubed the pulley wheels, apply the brakes and shift gears to find your pivot points.The straw nozzle can be used to apply lubricant to metal-on-metal joints.Don't get lubrication on your brake pads.
Step 9: If necessary, lubricate the brakes and shift the cables.
Brake and shift cables don't usually need lubrication since they're contained in a nylon-lined housing.Use the brake quick release to create enough slack to loosen the housing and slide out the cables if you bind.After applying a few drops of lube to the cables, you can slide them back into the housing.If your cables are made of steel, you don't need to lubricate them.You can use a graphite lubricant if you need to lubricate the cables.
Step 10: Make sure to wipe away as much lube as possible.
After lubricating your derailleur assembly, pivot points, and cables, be sure to wipe away any excess surface lubricant.Dirt and abrasive particles can compromise your bike's performance in the future.
Step 11: When the weather is dry, you should lubricate your chain once a week.
The chain is the most important part of your bike.If you ride your bike daily, you should clean it at least once a week.You can lubricate the chain every 2 weeks if you don't ride your bike as often.
Step 12: After riding in the rain, lubricate your chain.
It is best to give your bike chain some attention after a long ride in the rain.As soon as you get home, clean and dry it.After drying it off, lubricate it.
Step 13: Every few months, Lubricate other components.
Every few months, your bike's other components will need cleaning and lubrication.If you ride frequently in the rain or live in a wet climate, you should lubricate the moving parts more often.When you hear squeaking on your bike, inspect and lubricate it.
Step 14: If your bike is covered in dirt, switch the lubricants on it.
If you notice that your bike is dirty when you do maintenance, you should look into changing your lubrication.Make sure you use a lubricant marked for bicycles, which is thinner in consistency, instead of an automotive lubricant or thick grease.You might need to wipe off excess lubricant if you notice a lot of dirt.