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| *Vultures Knob>>>Sport Bike |
What are some tips to maintain my bike?? |
Ok i have a 2006 SPECIALIZED expedition sport Bike (navy Blue color) and its been sitting in my backyard, i dont even use it :( i used to, but i just get bored of it so quickly!! the first 5 minutes is okay, but later, its like i wanna get off of it. but i still enjoy it, now i would enjoy it more if its CLEAN!! i need some tips, usually i use a towel, and just rub it off, my dad thinks its better to clean my bike under the sun, or is it better on the shade??? i need your advice!! http://www.specialized.com/bc/sbcbkmodel... the link obove is the model, adn the type of bike it is!! remember to click on the "navy" link, you should see a pop up on the bike i have!!! Check out Park Tool website. It provides everything you need to know for a bike. http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto... You're keeping your bike clean, which is good, but you need to lube it also. Go to your local bike shop. Buy some chain lube and lube for the derailleurs. After you wash your bike (sun or shade doesn't matter, but it will dry faster in the sun) let it dry thoroughly. Then lube the chain and both derailleurs. After several years in the backyard, you may need to replace the chain and some other parts. If lube your bike and it's still not running well then your bike needs to be tuned. Take it to your shop. I've owned many, many bikes. First off, moisture and water will play hell on all kinds of things. If you can keep it indoors or in a tool shed, that's 1000% better for it. If nothing else, a covering is a good idea, but it'll still get humidity underneath and may not prevent the problems. Also, sunlight is tough on saddles, tires, v-brake pads, hub seals, rubber brake hoods, grips, etc. It will discolor anodizing on metal parts. I have a seat clamp that used to be black. It's a nice bronze color on the exposed surfaces now. :o) The chain and cogs are the most likely thing to rust and cause problems, so you definitely want to invest in a chain cleaner and chemicals to clean and lube it. You can clean and ride a chain that's rusted, as long as it doesn't get stiff and start skipping when you pedal, but it'll wear out a lot faster and make your lube filthy. Moisture can rust or gum up your cables, too, so you'll need to replace them and/or clean and lube them more often. Cables that aren't slick and running free make braking feel weird at the lever, and often gears don't work properly or as nicely. If your hubs use loose-ball bearings, you'll need to overhaul them and replace the grease more often, even if they have rubber seals over them. Wouldn't hurt to clean the braking surfaces once in awhile, too, since they'll get coated with airborne grime, oxidization, etc. Isopropyl alcohol, acetone, or a solvent that doesn't leave a film behind will do the trick (paint thinner, goo-gone, gas, kerosene, and some citrus products leave a film). Some bolts will probably rust, even stainless does sometimes. Water bottle and stem bolts get this way if they're outside alot. You can wax them, and your frame, if you want, or just leave them be. As for the frame, just a wipe or polish is all it needs, if you want to do that. That's only for appearance, though (except you do want to get sweat and gatorade juices off of it because they can corrode the paint eventually). I can't see where sun or shade matters, but if you're using a paste wax it's harder to rub off when it's been in sunlight. Hope this helps....enjoy riding it when you do! |
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