Newbie, General Maintanence questions

See workshop link below for cleaning and lubing.

And be prepared for a million different views from a total strip down after every ride to sling it in the car and spit on the chain once a year.

My personal 2c worth,

Bikes are relatively simple, so except for possibly top end fork or shock servicing, or building wheels anyone can do anything with a bit of googling for advice.

I prefer doing everything myself as not only is it satisfying to get everything working well, you also understand how it all works and fits together, and can bodge repairs on he trail.

You can also sound intelligent (and sometimes condescending) offering advice here.

Bikes need continuous maintenance, give everything a quick once over after a clean, and make sure everything is tight and right - nothing worse than getting to a ride and finding problems.

Buy a basic selection of tools if you don't already have - a set of allen keys, small spanner set, pliers, screwdrivers, chain tool and buy specific tools, such as crank removers, chain whip etc as and when you need them. They are normally pretty cheap (as cheap as the work would cost in a shop anyway and you have them for next time).

You will find the same questions asked over and over here, so keep reading, and anything can be found on Google.

Parktools has loads of very good tutorials plus plenty of info in Tech Links sticky in forum index.

http://www.parktool.com/repair/index.asp

And by region they mean what part of the bike, not where do you live.

Lucozade1


much depends on the bike. get and read the manuals.

some bearings you do nothing to. some need a little lube and some like a lot.

otherwise no different to any other bike.

some shocks need periodic air can service others dont..........