Bike maintenance 101

[Runbikeswim]

I have looked and don’t see a similar post, hopefully this one could be sticky.

 

I want to build a list of things you need to service, fix and clean on a MTB and how often possibly also how.

 

E.G it could be classified as below ina  atble ( tried but cant import excell?

 

 

                                                                               

Part      Service every x km      How to service   Clean every x KM       How to clean    Issues + the fix

 

                                             

 

[Guest DieBees]

Nice.

 

I like this. I dont recall a similar post.

[floatfox]

Service and maintenance on bikes cannot be measured in km...summer time you have rain and muddy conditions, rust sets in and water penetrates almost everywhere. Winters are dry and dusty. So it all depends onvthe conditions you ride in.

[floatfox]

Its easier to just go and buy the Park Tools blue book...

[Steven Knoetze (sk27)]

I would also like to know if it is essential to have a torque wrench?

I have overhauled superbike clutches, brakes, etc when I still rode them and had absolutely no problems. Never once used a torque wrench.

[Davey_Jones]

I would think its easier to ask here. Free information based on local experience and products, just ask specific details until a good base of information is covered in one thread.

[Davey_Jones]

I would also like to know if it is essential to have a torque wrench?

I have overhauled superbike clutches, brakes, etc when I still rode them and had absolutely no problems. Never once used a torque wrench.

where would you use one on a bicycle? wheels have quick release and other components wouldn't be effected bye correct torque. They just need to be tight.

[MK Killer]

What do you need to grease on the bike and how often?

[Guest DieBees]

Floatbox. This thread belongs to you.

[rawbone]

I would also like to know if it is essential to have a torque wrench?

I have overhauled superbike clutches, brakes, etc when I still rode them and had absolutely no problems. Never once used a torque wrench.

 

It's absolutely essential for me. Not for anything that is torqued high but for the bolts that need a low (4nm-6nm) torque. Why? I have a horrible habit of over tightening things and stripping bolts

 

Also if you have a carbon frame you have to be very careful about over tightening with anything that bolts into the frame in case you crack it. So it's not really necessary to make sure things are tight - but rather to make sure things aren't too tight!

[RaceFan]

Service and maintenance on bikes cannot be measured in km...summer time you have rain and muddy conditions, rust sets in and water penetrates almost everywhere. Winters are dry and dusty. So it all depends onvthe conditions you ride in.

Ok so what do you do in each condition?

 

I ride motorcycles and there are things I do religiously to keep them from breaking regardless of conditions based on an hourmeter.

Id like to do the same on my bicycles to avoid mechanicals and wear.

 

Some pointers would be appreciated even if it is seen as too frequent.

[JXV]

So some brakes use mineral oil and some use dot fluid.

Some bearings need preload and others dont.

And so on. There are so many differences even for the same type of component that it would be difficult for this summary to be relevant outside of general care.

I would find a list of hyperlinks to manufacturer's service manuals more useful. This gives you exact info for your components from the horse's mouth so to speak. The list could be organised by component type or brand. You look up your own components and are then not subjected to irrelevant info from other types

[Steven Knoetze (sk27)]

where would you use one on a bicycle? wheels have quick release and other components wouldn't be effected bye correct torque. They just need to be tight.

 

From limited experience the major parts are cassette, crank bolts.

You could use them on everything though, brake clamps, shifter clamps, stem, etc........

[mtbride]

For disc rotor bolts I would certainly use a torque wrench as well, the torque needs to be 2-3nm (with some loctite on), and the normal guy would always over tighten these and risk breaking them off. I have done this on a motorbike and was a mission to get the broken bolt out of the rim.

 

Also, I use one on my seatpost, if I do not tighten it to max, my seatpost used to slide down during some rough terrain riding.

[Soufflé]

Torque values I use daily.  Lower values mostly apply to carbon.

Torque Settings.pdf

[hayleyearth]

where would you use one on a bicycle? wheels have quick release and other components wouldn't be effected bye correct torque. They just need to be tight.

 

Headset is one crutial area that come to mind straight away...if too tight you damage your bearings and possibly frame depending on the type of bearings. of too loose, well you will have movement of your frame/stem/fork in a vertical movement...etc