So, I just picked up this bike, everything seems to work, tire holds air, rides well, etc. I’ve never taken care of anything mechanical before.
I’m not sure what I need to make sure the bike is taken care of long term. I’d like to lube up the chain and anything else that needs lubrication (not sure).
How can I take care of everything? What lube/oil do I need?
What else should I do to keep it in great condition? I’m a BIFL person.
by hisabawi
3 Comments
https://www.sheldonbrown.com/
Get an alan key unlock the nut and see if the stem comes off and the seat post can move up and if it can put oil all up inside of that and turn the frame upside down for a few seconds to let it coat the inside. Lube the stem on the inside lube the seat post on the inside make sure it doesnt get stuck check both every few months.
Put oil on the little wheel gears on the back mechanism and put a little bit of oil inside all of the brake cable where it mounts to the lever and also the gear shifter levers
Coat all the external wires in oil.
Try to wipe off as much greese and street gunk from the chain and the back gear cog and oil it then wipe it off again until it gets shiny and sexy. Use the liquid oil to clean the whole bike frame and make some stains come off.
I like using free newspapers to get the bike clean just put oil and use the newspaper to get the gunk off and it will slowly break appart like brushing all of the street gunk off..
Take the newspaper sheet and spin it through all of the gears let it get shredded inside of the gears to clean it up it actually works. Let a paper through the back mech and it will pick up a lot of gunk then use a towel to wipe more off.
Re oil one last time then wipe off as much oil as you can from everything and make it as dry as you can
Dont worry there is thin coating of oil still left behind and it will keep everything from rust but the lack of extra oil will prevent street gunk from attaching back to your bike.
Yay congrats!!!! NBD!!!!!!