By Jim Langley We've talked before about washing bicycles after rainy rides. My advice was to remove the wheels to make the task of washing them easier. However, I didn’t provide complete instructions for cleaning wheels. Two thoughts made me decide to go into more detail today. First is the fact that wheels have become so much more expensive. So, sort of like wanting to … [Read more...] about How to Clean Bicycle Wheels
Tech
Lubing Brake and Derailleur ‘Pivots’
By Jim Langley Last week we went over don’ts and do’s for bike washing. The final don’t was to not forget to relube after cleaning the bike. I said “be sure to lube the brake and derailleur pivots.” To this advice a reader named Michael wrote, “What type of lube do you recommend for the brake and derailleur pivots? I ride mostly dry pavement and use Pro Gold ProLink on my … [Read more...] about Lubing Brake and Derailleur ‘Pivots’
10 Bike Washing Don’ts and Do’s
By Jim Langley Winter riding can wear and tear bicycles quickly because of the grit and crud that gets all over the frame and components. Also, excessive moisture can remove essential lube from the drivetrain, which accelerates chain, cassette, chainring, derailleur pulley and front derailleur cage wear, too. This is why it’s best to clean bikes immediately after inclement … [Read more...] about 10 Bike Washing Don’ts and Do’s
How to Wash A Bicycle: 10 Bike Washing Don’ts and Do’s
Winter riding can wear and tear bicycles quickly because of the grit and crud that gets all over the frame and components. Also, excessive moisture can remove essential lube from the drivetrain, which accelerates chain, cassette, chainring, derailleur pulley and front derailleur cage wear, too. This is why it’s best to clean bikes immediately after inclement winter rides or … [Read more...] about How to Wash A Bicycle: 10 Bike Washing Don’ts and Do’s
Checking the Condition of Bicycle Wheel Bearings
by Jim Langley Checking wheel bearings This week’s subject was suggested by a reader with the handle “SJ,” who asked, “How often should wheel hub bearings be degreased and re-greased?” It’s a great question because it’s tricky to evaluate the condition of wheel bearings and to know what to do about issues, too. Wheels can still seem to roll and spin perfectly fine even when … [Read more...] about Checking the Condition of Bicycle Wheel Bearings