In this short guide, you'll discover practical tips for proper MTB maintenance:
Cleaning Your MTB
Cleaning your MTB is the first thing to do after a ride. You can use a hose if you have one available. However, avoid directly spraying bearings, brakes or the fork with the jet of water to prevent damage.
The golden rule: be gentle! High pressure isn't recommended as it can force impurities into the derailleurs.
If you don't have access to a hose, you can also use a basin of soapy water, or even combine both methods to properly degrease your bike.
Drying Your MTB
Don't forget to thoroughly dry your MTB after washing to prevent rust formation. We recommend using a dry cloth, which is less abrasive than other drying methods. If you have compressed air, you can use that too - just remember to focus on the bike's mechanical components! Afterwards, you'll need to degrease the drivetrain.
Degreasing the Drivetrain
Degrease the chain with a degreaser, then lubricate it. Be careful to never lubricate your chain without cleaning it first! If you have a quick-link chain, it's best to remove it and degrease it in a separate container to avoid contaminating your brake discs.
Lubricating the Drivetrain
Once the drivetrain is degreased, you must lubricate it immediately. Never postpone this step, or you might encounter problems when you finally get round to it. The main risk is finding your chain completely rusted the following week!
To lubricate your drivetrain, you can use a lubricant spray on the inside of the chain or a syringe (available at any pharmacy) filled with oil. This method helps push out any remaining water from washing. Spraying lubricant on the inside also ensures perfect distribution of grease across the chain's rollers.
If using the spray, be careful not to get any on your brake pads. This could seriously compromise your braking performance. Protect them by placing a cloth over the entire disc. It's simple and absolutely essential! Also consider lightly lubricating the frame to protect it from moisture and rust.
These three steps are essential and should be performed after every ride (unless your MTB hasn't got dirty at all, of course!).
Got any additional MTB maintenance tips? If so, please share them in the comments!
