Maintaining your off-road bicycle is an on-going process. Instead of a complete overhaul after the bicycle is completely encased in grime, it is better to do routine maintenance on a regular basis.
Inspect your bicycle before and after each ride. Look for frayed or broken brake and derailleur cables. Check cables for proper tension. See that brake pads align correctly on the rims, otherwise, on long downhill stretches, the pad may wear through the tire and cause a blowout. If brake pads are worn thin, replace them. Inspect and tighten nuts and bolts that secure water bottle cages, racks, and fenders. This pre-ride inspection takes only a few minutes, yet it can prevent a great deal of hardship later in the backcountry.
When cleaning your bike of dirt and mud, don¡t hose it off. Water under pressure, even a garden hose, can force grease out of the bearings. The greased bearings in the headset, bottom bracket, and hubs are especially susceptible to water penetration even if they are "sealed bearings". A rag and soapy, warm water works fine for cleaning dirt off the frame.
The drive-train components are the most important to keep clean and in good working order. The drive train consists of the derailleurs, chain, freewheel and crank set. Any amount of dirt in the drive train will prevent the system from working effectively. To get your chain really clean, use a commercial chain-cleaning tool. Another method is to spray the chain with light solvent, hold the chain with a rag, and rotate the pedal arm. Allowing the chain to pass through the rag will remove much of the dirt, if done routinely. It may be necessary to use a screw driver, tooth brush or similar device to remove caked on pieces of dirt in the drive train. After cleaning, lubricate the chain with a synthetic lubricant. Spray a little on the chain as you rotate the pedals. Also spray moving derailleur parts, the freewheel and all other pivot points on the bike. We recommend that you repack bearings at the beginning of each riding season. If you ride in wet conditions often, repack your bearings at least three times a year.
There are certain bike adjustments that require special tools and some knowledge of bike repair. If you are unsure how to make these adjustments, take your bike to a bicycle shop. If possible, watch the mechanic do the work and ask questions. You can learn to do the work yourself. Once you have the right tools and a good book on bicycle maintenance, you will need only patience and a willingness to learn by trial and error. Learning to work on your bike will not only save money, but will allow you to perform crucial backcountry repairs.
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