In this guide you will find some tips to keep your mountain bike in top condition; try to put them into practice every time you use it! You will find how to maintain your mountain bike in every aspect, from the saddle to the brakes. By following it step-by-step you will learn a method and, once you become familiar with the checks you need to do, the whole process will take no more than 35-40 minutes.
Steps
Step 1. Remove any accessories placed on the handlebar
For example the lights, the doorbell, etc. If your mountain bike has V-brakes, loosen the cables. Starting with the front brake, work on the brake calipers, closing the top to release tension from the cable, then remove the cable from the caliper. Repeat the procedure with the rear brake.
Step 2. Turn the mountain bike over
To avoid damaging the grips and saddle, put an old towel on the floor (or you can buy a kickstand, but they are usually quite expensive). Standing next to the mountain bike, lean over and grab the frame with both hands - one on the cross tube and the other on the seat post in the back. Now lift the mountain bike and turn it over.
- An alternative is to hang the mountain bike by the saddle. To protect the underside of the saddle, coat the support you use to hang it (a tree branch, a beam, etc.). Hanging the mountain bike with the right side up is the best method, because in that position the chain, by gravity, will tend to fall.
- You can also hang it by looping a rope around the handlebar, then twisting it up to a balcony or other support, and then back down around the seat post.
Step 3. Remove the wheels
Open the quick release lever on the front wheel axle and lift the wheel up. Remove the rear wheel - open the quick release and, as you lift the wheel, free the rear housing cassette from the derailleur mechanism (the part with the two teeth).
Step 4. Clean the gears
Using a toothbrush and soapy water, clean the rear derailleur mechanism, swiping the brush over any moving parts.
- Clean the chain thoroughly: rotate the pedals to make it turn, at the same time passing a wet cloth around the chain on the rear derailleur.
- Use a toothbrush and plenty of water to clean the chain ring (the front gear where the pedals attach). Wipe dry with a dry cloth.
- Clean the pedals and cranks (the bars that hold the pedals) with a wet rag.
- Finally, thoroughly clean the front drive mechanism by wiping all moving parts.
Step 5. Wash the underside of the mountain bike
Start with the front forks, using a rag and soapy water, wiping with a cloth as you wash. Clean the center and back of the frame with the same method.
- Always wash the handlebar with a cloth and soapy water, paying particular attention to the brake lever and the gearshift assembly.
- Wipe a damp cloth over the top tube or crossbar, taking care to clean underneath the brake and shift cables that run along its length.
- Finally, clean the underside of the saddle.
Step 6. Clean and reassemble the wheels
Take a wet rag and start cleaning the rims from the front wheel. Clean the spokes and axle. If the bike has disc brakes, use a suitable degreaser.
- Put the front wheel back into the forks and close the quick release - not too tight, not too loose. To check that you have tightened the mechanism to the right pressure, try it: when you open it it should leave the mark on your hand for a few seconds. If you need to adjust it, turn the nut on the opposite side of the shaft clockwise to tighten it, or counterclockwise to loosen it.
- Clean the rim and spokes of the rear wheel, axle and rotor disc (if you have one), exactly as you did with the front wheel.
- Carefully clean the gear cassette on the rear wheel. Use a small brush to remove any pebbles between your teeth, then rub it between your teeth, with plenty of soap and water, to remove traces of lubricant or dirt.
- Put the rear wheel back into the frame, facilitating the reverse gear cassette into the derailleur assembly. Tighten the quick release.
Step 7. Check the wheels
Spin them, making sure they don't resist and are straight. As the wheel turns, keep your fingers resting on the rim to feel if there is any irregularity on either side.
- If you have disc brakes, check both sides of the rotors on each wheel as well. Make sure it looks smooth and straight. Do not touch the rotor.
- If you have V-brakes, check the wheel as it turns to make sure the brake blocks are not making contact with the rims.
- Check the spokes by turning the front wheel slowly and letting your hand drop over each spoke. Evaluate the tension of each spoke and, if you find loose ones, tighten them.
- With the bike upside down, check the condition and pressure of the tires. If you find any major damage, replace the tire before using the mountain bike again.
Step 8. Check the drive system
Check both pedals by spinning them, making sure they turn freely and that there is no noise or squeak from worn bearings. If you hear noises or screeching, it means you need to replace the bearings.
- Turn a pedal to turn the crank. Listen for any noises and check for signs of wear on the bottom bracket (the assembly that holds the cranks and chain in place). If you find signs of wear, your mountain bike will need further maintenance.
- Check the front drive mechanism. Turn the pedal and move the chain up and down the gears using the shift lever. Look for burr marks, which occur when the mechanism is out of alignment and needs adjustment. Do the same check with the shifter and rear gears.
Step 9. Wash the top of the bike
Standing next to the bike, grab the frame with both hands as you did before to flip it, bringing it back straight. Place your mountain bike on the wall.
- Using a clean rag and soapy water, wash the handlebar and headset (the part where the handlebar attaches to the frame). Clean well around the brake and shift levers. Wash the top of the front wheel forks and, if you have a front shock absorber, also the seals.
- Moving towards the center of the bike, clean the down tube and top tube or crossbar.
- Open the quick release to remove the saddle. Wash the saddle tube and seat post on the frame, then reassemble it, tighten the quick release and clean it.
- Finally, clean the seat stays (the two tubes that join the seat post to the rear axle).
Step 10. Check the brakes
Test the brakes by standing in front of the mountain bike, holding the handlebars. Pull the front brake and try to move the mountain bike towards you - the front wheel shouldn't move. If you insist on pulling the mountain bike towards you, the rear wheel should lift off the ground at some point, otherwise the brake needs to be adjusted.
- Do the same with the rear brake. When you pull the brake, the rear wheel shouldn't spin, and if you keep pulling the mountain bike towards you it should skid. If not, it means that the rear brake needs to be adjusted.
- As you do this, observe the brake levers - the brakes should start working when they are pulled for about 1/3 of their travel and the levers should not touch the handlebars. If they do, it means that the brakes need to be adjusted.
- If you have disc brakes, check that they are in good condition. Standing in front of the mountain bike, look down on the inside of the disc brake caliper (the caliper around the brake rotor) and pull the brake - you should see both pads move symmetrically to lock the rotor. If they don't, it means the brake has a problem. Repeat this test with both brakes.
- If you have V-brakes, check for signs of wear on the shoes. There should be no accumulation of graphite and the grooves of the coating should be deep; otherwise they must be replaced.
- Also if you have V-brakes, look for signs of wear on both cables. Start at the levers, follow the cables along the top tube, then check the other end of both cables where they attach to the pliers. If you find any signs of wear or fraying, they need to be replaced.
Step 11. Check the steering
Stand next to your mountain bike, hold the steering wheel with your left hand, pull the front brake and rock the bike back and forth. Make sure the steering has no play and makes no noise. If you hear any slack or noises, it means that it needs to be adjusted.
Step 12. Keep the drive system lubricated
Put some rags over the spokes of the rear wheel under the derailleur to catch any oil drops.
- Rotate the pedal counterclockwise to spin the chain. Holding the lube spray vertical, spray the chain for a few seconds as it passes over the rear gears.
- While spinning the chain with the pedal, spray on the teeth on the inside of the chain ring, near the cranks. Rotate the pedal again and finally lubricate the outside of the chain ring in the same way.
Step 13. Check the lights
Now reconnect the lights and any other accessories you removed. Turn on the front and rear lights and make sure they are working properly.
Advice
- Whenever you use your mountain bike, carry the gear you might need with you - it could save you a lot of time and frustration. A good tool kit should include: bicycle-specific multipurpose tools, a spare inner tube (keep it in an old sock, which you will then use to work on your mountain bike so you don't get your hands dirty), tire levers, a pump or a CO2 insufflator.
- Try using a low power compressor (if available) in combination with a dry cloth to wipe off excess water after cleaning the mountain bike, making sure it is well positioned and securely placed.
- In case of problems with the wheels, it is best to contact your local shop for professional maintenance.
Warnings
- If your mountain bike has steel parts, be sure to dry it thoroughly after washing it to prevent rust.
- If you use your mountain bike when the gears or front derailleur are misaligned, the chain can easily skip the gears.
- Do not let the brake pads wear to the point of scraping the edges.
- Do not drive with lights that are too low: replace the batteries when necessary.
