Do you want your bike to last as long as possible? Do not do these 7 things with him!

A mountain bike or electric bike is an investment worth several hundred or thousand euros. It is therefore definitely appropriate to take care of them so that they last and serve you as long as possible. When buying a bicycle, in addition to the price, you are certainly interested in the quality of its processing and its individual components. After buying it, it's up to you how you take care of it and how much time you devote to its maintenance. So what (not) to do with him?

1. Leaning the bike

Are you also one of those people who can easily rest their bike anywhere and in any way? For example, a handlebar or a seat, the main thing is that it holds and does not fall. Well, watch out for that from now on! If you lean your bike against a wall, tree or bench, the grips on the handlebars or the seat cover still rub. After time, these parts will tear and you will be forced to replace them. The best solution is therefore to lean the bicycle against the rear wheel, or buy a bicycle stand.

2. The derailleur is not a bicycle stand

If you don't have a bicycle stand yet and there is no possibility to lean it on something nearby, you can carefully place the bicycle on the ground. However, pay attention to which side of the bike you do it on. Always place the bicycle on its left side. There is a derailleur on the right rear wheel, which can be damaged if mishandled.

3. Washing the bike

Have you given it to your body and your bike? The bike is all muddy and the fastest way to clean it is to use highpressure cleaner. However, it is not the most gentle way to wash your mountain bike. Water can get everywhere and, as you all know, it begins to corrode in connection with metal. A strong stream of water can do more harm than good to a bicycle. Water from the nozzle can get into the bearing bushings or the frame and cause mischief there. In this case, it is best to use:

Remove the thickest deposits with a whisk and wash the details with a wet sponge. You can use special bicycle care products for grease. Afterwards, it is necessary to rinse the bicycles with clean water and let them dry.

4. Incorrectly engaged gear

Maybe you know it too. You return from a bike tour, get off the bike and hang it on the hooks or put it in the cellar. But do you know which gear your gear was on after the last turn of the pedals? So that the chain does not come off quickly, it is advisable to leave the chain on the smallest disc before putting the bike away for a long time.

5. Be careful when inflating the wheels

Tires that are too soft are prone to a puncture or damage to the rim. They cause high rolling resistance. On the contrary, hard tires can reduce your speed and you will feel every stone or unevenness on the track.

The correct tire pressure depends on the type of bicycle and its use. In general, it is best to stick to the manufacturer's information and approximate the lower or upper limit by:

6. Lubricating the bike and brake discs, chain washer

It certainly does not apply here, the more lubricant, the better. What should you pay attention to when lubricating?

7. Dampers and fork

You do not underestimate the cleaning of the fork and shock absorbers. They need to be kept clean so that accumulated dirt does not clog the control elements, or the gliders of the fork's inner legs could be damaged. It is best to wipe the gliders with a cloth after each ride. Lubricate the fork and shock absorbers regularly after several rides, for example every 100-150 km. Apply the lubricant in the place where the glider enters the fork and then spring the fork several times. Wipe off the remains of the lubricant to prevent dirt and other dirt from sticking to it.

What else do we recommend in bike care?

Proper bike maintenance can extend its life by several seasons, which is definitely worth considering.  We wish you many beautiful kilometers on your two-wheeled vehicles!

Author: Katarína Bačíková

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