genral mtb advice

LEE_05

just got this bike just wanted to no if there is anything a shoud be doin before/after every use ? and genral running of the bike.

http://www.nationalcycles.co.uk/gt-aval ... -2008.html

Flenser

Using capital letters before?

Tom Barton

If its a new bike - normally most shops will give you a free first service - once you've done a couple of rides on it and stretched the gear cables a bit - take advantage of it and let the shop make sure everything is nice and tuned.

After rides, give the bike a good clean. Clean the chain by putting a little chain lube on and wiping it all off throughly with a fistful of cloth or kitchen towel. Lube it again when finished. Give the derailuers a bit of lube too.

Before you go for a ride, always make sure everything is nice and tight. Quick realase levers inparticular and bolts etc. Don't go too mad - just make sure nothing is loose. Check your tyres have no rips in them and make sure the tyre pressure is correct and always test your brakes make sure they work before you ride!

If anything is loose - tighten it, if anything needs adjusting, either sort it or seek help from a bike shop if you don't know how to do the trickier bits - at least of course until you've picked up from books/mags/been taught etc how to do it yourself.

mhuk

Fit your chain with a magic link and clean your chain after every ride if it's muddy or dusty:

drop the chain into a plastic Coke bottle with a couple of ounces of un-diluted citrus degreaser, cap it, and shake thoroughly. Fish the chain out with a spoke, rinse in water, and you are all set!

I dry mine in the oven. Put it back on the bike (clean the chainrings and derailleur with some kitchen roll if dirty) and re-lube it. Takes 5 minutes.

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/chains.html#cleaning

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/brandt/chain-care.html

grudfuttle

mhuk wrote:

Fit your chain with a magic link and clean your chain after every ride if it's muddy or dusty:

drop the chain into a plastic Coke bottle with a couple of ounces of un-diluted citrus degreaser, cap it, and shake thoroughly. Fish the chain out with a spoke, rinse in water, and you are all set!

That's a brilliant idea. Can I ask you to name a 'citrus degreaser' product please? Just so I know what to buy.

Thanks. grudfuttle

grudfuttle

What about an engine degreaser such as Gunk, or Autoglym's Engine & Machine Cleaner? They should do a similar job, yes? :?:

grudfuttle

LEE_05

bort it off the internet so wont be getting a service done.