Tech tips · Maintenance
Bike Maintenance:
cleaning, lubing and winter prep
Regular bike maintenance protects your safety, comfort and the lifespan of every component. Here is a simple plan for washing, lubing, checking and storing your bike for winter.
By Marko Ristivojević, Master Bike Mechanic
In short
Here is how to clean a bike: wash it with a gentle stream of water, dry it and apply a thin layer of oil to the chain. Check your tires and brakes before every ride, and for winter, clean the bike and store it somewhere dry.
Washing
Every 2–3 rides
Chain
Thin layer of oil
Pressure
Pre-ride check
Winter
Dry storage
Author: Marko Ristivojević, Master Bike Mechanic · BK MTB Evolution, Eastern Sarajevo
Why regular bike maintenance matters
Dirt is the biggest enemy of your drivetrain and bearings. Regular bike maintenance reduces wear, and a preventive check stops most breakdowns out on the trail. Proper bike maintenance starts with washing, continues with lubing and finishes with a check of bolt tightness and tire pressure.
You don't have to be a mechanic to look after your bike. A few simple habits, the right lube and a little time after each ride are enough.
Bike maintenance: cleaning and washing
Gentle stream of water. Never use high pressure. Use a bike wash product and a soft brush.
Drivetrain separately. Clean the chain and cassette with a degreaser and a dedicated brush, and use a chain cleaning device for a deep clean.
Watch the bearings. Don't aim a strong jet at the hubs, bottom bracket or suspension, as it flushes out the grease. Clean rotors and pads are essential for braking power.
Chain lubrication
Dry the chain. The chain must be completely dry, so use a dry rag or compressed air.
Apply the lube. Put a thin layer of oil on the inner side of the chain, onto the pins. Use Wet Lube for rain and mud, and Dry Lube for dry weather.
Work it in. Backpedal about twenty times so the lube spreads evenly.
Wipe off the excess. Remove any excess with a dry rag, because extra oil attracts dirt.
Preventive check
Drivetrain. Check chain stretch with a chain checker. If it is stretched, replace it right away before it ruins the cassette.
Brakes. If the lever feels spongy, the brakes probably need bleeding. Brake pads thinner than 1 mm should be replaced.
Tires. Check the pressure regularly. Correct pressure is key for traction and for preventing punctures.
Suspension and wheels. Wipe the fork stanchions, check your SAG and look for wheel wobble or loose spokes.
Winter prep and storage
Thorough wash. Before storage, wash the bike carefully and degrease the drivetrain.
Generous lubing. Lube the chain with Wet Lube. You don't need to wipe off the excess, as it acts as extra protection over the winter.
Dry storage. For winter bike storage, slightly reduce tire pressure and keep the bike somewhere dry, at a stable temperature and away from direct sunlight.
When it's time for a bike service
Basic service. Once a year or every few hundred kilometers, to check and adjust the key components.
Major service. When you want detailed maintenance of all systems, including bearings, suspension and brakes.
Specific problems. A spongy brake, a wobbly wheel or a squeaking drivetrain are all reasons to contact the workshop.
Tip: if you're not sure, bring your bike to the MTB Evolution workshop in Vojkovići. Book a slot online. For more bike maintenance advice, also see the Park Tool repair help library.
FAQ
How often should I wash my bike?
Thoroughly after every ride in mud, rain or snow. In normal conditions, every two to three rides or whenever visible dirt builds up is enough.
Which oil is best for the chain?
Wet Lube is for rainy and muddy conditions, and Dry Lube for dry and dusty days. Use only lubes made for bikes, never motor oil.
Can I wash my bike with a pressure washer?
We don't recommend it. High pressure forces water into bearings, hubs and suspension and flushes out the grease, so use a gentle stream and a brush.
How do I know if my chain is worn?
Use a chain checker. If it is stretched past the allowed limit, replace it as soon as possible to save your cassette and chainring.