How long should my 2008 Trek 6000 take to break in?

I AM relatively knowledgeable with (old) bikes, but I've never actually had a new bike before, so I was wondering how many miles in normal "Condition 3" riding that everything should take to break in?


Also: It's been about 3 one-mile rides since I got the bike and the brakes have started to work much better, and the suspension has started to move. I just want to know how long I should wait until my first tune up and until I can start messing with it.

One more thing: What chemicals should I buy the next time I go to my bike shop? I mean, WD-40 just doesn't cut it for a $750 bike. And I wanted to know what I should use to clean my baby (I mean the bike).

I would take the bike into the shop after about 100 miles of riding so they can adjust it to compensate for cable stretch. By that time, everything else should have "broken in."

Don't use WD-40 on your bike. Selecting a chain lube can be confusing because there are a lot of people with very different opinions and an almost religious zeal. Whatever you pick from a bike shop will probably work OK as long as you follow the directions. Personally, I used White Lightning Epic in the blue bottle but just recently switched to Boeshield T-9. I just clean the bike itself with water and a damp rag. What you use to clean the chain and gears can depend on what you select for lubrication. Ask your local bike shop for help. They will be glad to advise you as long as you buy the product there.

HTH

It all depends on how hard you ride your bike. Are you riding aggresively or are you taking your time on the trail. If you are rapidly accelerating and deccelarating it is going to have a dramatic effect on the break in time for your brakes. If you are shifting alot your cables are going to break in quicker.

Most shops/mechanics suggest that you bring your bike in for a tune up after the first 30 days. If your bike stops breaking well or shifting well before that point then it need to be tuned up sooner. I had my tools out after my first ride with my Gary Fisher X-Cal doing some fine tuning...

For cleaning your bike I suggest buying a chain cleaning machine, a toothbrush, some quality shop rags, citrus degreaser/simple green (don't waste your money on the bike line), and a small spray bottle.

Buy the degreaser in bulk and then mix it 10:1 for spraying on the bike to clean. When using the chain cleaning machine I usually use a 5:1 mix.

As far as bike lube goes I suggest using a drip lube and not a spray lube. Also keep in mind that the original factory lube on the chain is better than any after market lube so don't be in a huge hurry to scrub down your chain. (I suggest reading what sheldon brown has to say about chain lube and the best way to lube a chain.)

All the fancy bike stuff is an absolute waste of money. I know people talk about buying waxes to protect the paint ... but seriously its an aluminum mountain bike. It's not going to rust and you didn't buy it to look pretty!

My friend who owns a bike shop always tells me around 100 miles its broken in. As far as what chemicals, let the people at the bike shop direct you there.