Cleaning & Maintenance

[akb]

Been cycling the 12 mile commute to work for the past two months now on the Cycling Scheme and have decided that it is about time to give the bike a clean and maybe a little check over. Baring in mind that I am a complete noob when it comes to bike maintainence, what kit do I need to buy (preferably on a budget ) and is there a methodical way of cleaning the bike?

Also, what sort of things do I need to be checking on a weekly basis.

Bike is a hybrid and I usually cycle 3 out of the 5 days in a week to work.

Thanks in advance, from a complete noob!

Cheers,

Anil.

 

[Kestevan]

For cleaning and re-lubing all you really need is some oil and a couple of rags - NB GT85/WD40 IS NOT A LUBE. Buy some oil.
Baby-wipes make good cleaing cloths for the frame.

Clean the chain using the Mickle Method (wipe chain with rag, Lightly oil, repeat till bored).

Weekly maintenance:
Check brake blocks, adjust brake clearance with barrel adjusters to take up wear, replace blocks if necessary,
Brake and Gear cables, check inners move freely - quick wipe down of inners with oily rag.
Check Tyres, look for splits, embedded rubbish and pump up to a decent pressure.

Basic common sense really, if its designed to move (brake calipers, derrailear etc) make sure its clean, well lubed and moves freely. If it's not designed to move make sure it's tightened up and doesn't.

 

[akb]

For cleaning and re-lubing all you really need is some oil and a couple of rags - NB GT85/WD40 IS NOT A LUBE. Buy some oil.
Baby-wipes make good cleaing cloths for the frame.

Clean the chain using the Mickle Method (wipe chain with rag, Lightly oil, repeat till bored).

Weekly maintenance:
Check brake blocks, adjust brake clearance with barrel adjusters to take up wear, replace blocks if necessary,
Brake and Gear cables, check inners move freely - quick wipe down of inners with oily rag.
Check Tyres, look for splits, embedded rubbish and pump up to a decent pressure.

Basic common sense really, if its designed to move (brake calipers, derrailear etc) make sure its clean, well lubed and moves freely. If it's not designed to move make sure it's tightened up and doesn't.

Thank you very much, and thanks for pointing out the bit about WD40... I would never have known!
Cheers,
Anil.