What maintenance do I have to do on my bicycle?

Question

What maintenance do I have to do on my bicycle?

Answer 1

keep it clean. keep moving parts clean and lubed (especially chain and gears), to slow down normal wear and tear. keep brake pads clean and replace as they wear down. replace your chain when it starts to stretch, before it chews up your cassette and chainrings. maintain tire pressure. a good, well cared for bike can remain low maintenance for a good long time..

Answer 2

Depends on the bike.  A derailleur bike with pinch brakes requires much more maintenance than a three speed with a coaster brake or a five speed with ditto.

Tires need pumping up

Chains need to be cleaned and lightly oiled

If derailleur with pinch brakes, the cables all need to be adjusted and kept tight to shift properly.  Do all these things yourself.  Don't pay a bike shop $50 to pump up tires.

Answer 3

The most important item is the chain, it gets the most abuse from dirt and grit.  I clean my bike and and re lube the chain when I start to see it getting any dirt on it. Use a good oil made for bicycle chains.

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/chains.html

This is good for everything else

http://bicycletutor.com/

  

Answer 4

If your just looking for a basic tuneup idea.

The shop that i work at our basic tune up includes checking tire pressure adjusting brakes, adjusting cable tension and limit screws, We also check to make sure bolts are tight like crank bolts

Make sure pedals and other accessories are on tight

Clean bike

but all those things will really help to keep your bike in good working condition