A bicycle is an incredibly efficient machine as long as it is properly maintained. Here is my routine for cleaning and checking all of the workings. Yes, it’s specific. This ensures that I don’t miss something. It also ensures that I progress logically from dirty processes to clean processes so that no rework is necessary.
I have this routine down to around 30 minutes. I do this every couple of weeks or anytime it is really needed, like after a rainy century ride. In between this routine, the frame only needs periodic wipes with a clean rag, and removing excess lube from the chain using a rag designated for drivetrain use.
Tools needed: Shop Stand, 4,5,6mm allen keys, phillips screwdriver, chain brush
Materials needed: Degreaser/Cleaner or both (I use Pedro’s Green Fizz for both most of the time), chain lube, gear lube, Grease or carbon assembly paste, scotchbrite pad (appropriate for doing dishes, not refinishing a car), 3 shop rags
Three shop rags are important. A clean rag for drying/final inspection, which gets downgraded to the frame wipedown rag after a few uses, which gets downgraded to the drivetrain rag when it’s too dirty for the frame
Il Processo
- Spray degreaser on drivetrain components
- Clean chain with chain brush and degreaser
- Clean Chainrings, cassette, derailleur pulleys, and front derailleur cage
- Rinse drivetrain
- Spray cleaner on braking surfaces of both wheels and rub with scotchbrite pad
- Remove rear wheel and floss cassette with drivetrain rag
- Check rear bearings for play, noise, wear
- Inspect condition of rear tire
- Clean inside of brake boss, seat stays, chain stays with frame rag
- Remove front wheel and clean inside of fork with frame rag
- Check front bearings for play, noise, wear
- Inspect condition of front tire
- Clean front and rear brake pads with drivetrain rag, check for wear
- Replace wheels on bike, check skewers for proper tightness
- Spray down entire bike with cleaner
- Wipe down all frame surfaces with frame rag
- Rince frame thoroughly
- Bounce bike lightly on the ground to remove excess water
- Spin rear wheel while thoroughly drying chain with drivetrain rag
- Measure chain stretch
- Dry frame with clean rag while visually inspecting frame for cracks, chips, corrosion
- Visually inspect chainrings and cassette for wear
- Check that all cable housings are fully seated, all cable ends are capped
- Check bar tape for wear/tears, check bar end plugs
- Check front and rear wheels for lateral and radial true
- Check headset bearings for play, tighten if necessary
- Remove seatpost, clean with drivetrain rag, reintall with new grease/assembly paste
- Run bike through every gear, listen for drivetrain noise, adjust if necessary
- Apply chain lube to each link on inside of chain, run bike through gears
- Apply lube to brake pivots, derailleur pivots, shifter internals, bolt heads exposed to sweat
- Remove all excess lube from chain, bolt heads, exposed pivots
- Pump tires to appropriate pressure
2 Comments
Dude. Seriously?
Yes dude, seriously.
Not every time I clean the bike, but after a few weeks, definitely.