YOU WILL NEED: 

  • A bucket (an old washing up bowl or ice-cream tub)
  • Sponge and brushes (old toothbrushes and washing-up stuff is great)
  • Cleaner (bike specific or washing-up liquid will do) 
  • Lubricant (best get this from your local bike shop)
  • Basic bike tools (you can pick up decent multi-tools for a few quid)
  • Chain cleaner (optional)

CLEAN:

If it’s really muddy, give it a quick wash with warm water. Using washing up liquid or a bike cleaner, give your bike a thorough clean, paying particular attention to moving parts such as derailleur and in between the sprockets.

Give the chain a really good wash – you can use a special tool or give it a good scrub using the toothbrush making sure all links are clean and free moving.

Rinse everything you’ve cleaned using water.

Give the bike a good shake to get rid of any excess water, wipe down and let dry LUBRICATE: Put a drop of lubricant on to places where the brake and gear cables leave the outer housing.

Lubricate all exposed moving parts.

Fully lubricate chain making sure to get all the links – slowly run the pedals backwards while squeezing lubricant on from above.

Wipe off excess; this is important as a really oily chain will attract dirt.

CHECK:

Work from one end of your bike to the other making sure all parts move freely. Rotating parts such as wheels and headset (steering) should only rotate, you should not be able to wiggle them from side to side. Also check all screws are secure and not rattling.

Check your tyres feel firm.

Take your bike for a quick spin somewhere away from the road where you can check:

  • The brakes bring you quickly and safely to a stop without the lever getting too close to the handlebar
  • The gears change easily.
  • Nothing feels loose or sounds like it’s rubbing.

And you’re done, how long did it take?

Probably more than the half an hour it could take, but it’ll be a lot quicker next time. Give your bike a good clean every month or so or when it gets really dirty.

DOS AND DON’TS

  • Do put together a little cleaning kit and checklist, it’ll make it easier to do in future and will only cost a few quid.
  • Do take your bike to your local bike shop if you’re concerned about anything.
  • Do clean your bike with a friend, you can help clean each other’s bikes and it’ll feel less of a chore.
  • Do go on a course if you want to learn more.
  • Do make sure that if you store your bike indoors you leave newspaper underneath to catch any oil leaks.

DON’T

  • Don’t use WD40, it’s just a solvent and may do more harm than good.
  • Don’t use a pressure washer and if you do use a hose be careful not to spray it directly at components.
  • Don’t put your hands anywhere they could get hurt if you slipped.
  • Don’t re-lube the chain until you’re sure it’s really clean.
  • Don’t forget this is a very basic guide.

This article is from our Seven Days magazine inside this weekend's Daily Echo.