Mountain biking offers a fun and exciting way to explore various landscapes. While your bike is built to handle rough terrain and harsh outdoor elements, it’s still subject to significant wear and tear. Whether you ride for sport or recreation, it’s important to perform regular maintenance to ensure the longevity of your investment. This will also provide you a safer and more comfortable cycling experience. Here are some key steps to help keep your bike in good condition.

A Guide to Mountain Bike Maintenance

1. Perform Regular Washes

When riding through the mud, dirt, sand, and water, you can expect your mountain bike to need a good cleaning after leaving the trail. Give it a good wipe down to remove grime after each ride, and wash it more thoroughly once a week.

Use a non-abrasive cleaner and soft cloth to lather up your bike and rinse it off with low-pressure water. High-pressure jets can damage its finish and push grease and lubricant out of the various moving parts. This will leave the bearings vulnerable to corrosion.

2. Lubricate the Chain

Keeping your chain lubricated will reduce friction, helping to achieve better shifting and minimize wear and tear on the drivetrain components. Depending on how many miles you ride a week, you may need to lubricate each time you hit the trail or only once every couple of months.

Be cautious not to apply excess lubrication since it can attract more dirt and grime. It’s also important to examine the chain regularly to see if there are stiff links or ones with too much stretch. Both could indicate the need for a chain replacement.

3. Check the Tires

Mountain bikes have strong and durable tires, but after traveling over rugged surfaces, they’ll eventually begin to show signs of wear. Make it a habit to check the tires for damage and proper inflation before every ride and adjust the tire pressure accordingly.

The recommended psi can usually be located on the tire’s sidewall. Anything lower than this will increase the chances of getting a flat tire. Check the wheels frequently for cracks and bent or broken spokes that require repairs.

To get long-lasting performance out of your mountain bike, turn to Jim’s Bike & Key Shop in Columbia, MO. Since 1977, they’ve proudly provided high-quality maintenance and repair solutions for all bike brands. Their mechanics understand the intricacies of how these machines work and know what’s required to make sure they stay functional and trail-ready. Call (573) 442-7011 to schedule an appointment, or visit them online for more information about their service offerings.