I’ve been biking for a number of years, primarily single track XC or gravel riding. I do adventure racing, which is incredibly tough on the bikes, but am hoping to improve my bike life.
What are some of the important bike maintenance things that you all do?
sheldon brown’s site has some articles for beginners and for repairs, I feel like a basic maintenance article should be there somewhere or on a search engine: https://www.sheldonbrown.com/beginners.html
the scope of “basic” to me feels like it expands at times, but if you read around you can probably find different ideas
Regularly: Clean and lube chain, Wash down frame, check brake pads, make sure all necessary tools and supplies are in seat bag for fixing flats
Longer Interval: Check brake/shifter cables, clean cassette, check/true wheels, replace handlebar tape, clean and grease bottom bracket
Add for bikes with suspension…
Regularly: Gently wipe dirt off the stanchions, main seals, and levers.
Longer interval: Disassemble fork and/or shock to clean seals and rebuild with fresh grease and oil.
These. Basic Bike these days just don’t need as much daily maintenance. 😿
Biggest outside case I am always paranoid about is a loosening headset or bottom bracket. If you ever notice any knocking up front fix immediately. Chris King headsets seem to have also removed this small piece of bicycle maintenance tho.
Do not pressure wash your bike! You will end up degreasing all those fancy sealed bearings.