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Clean your bike: Spring check in ten steps
1) Start in good time
If you want to set off on your first tour on Sunday lunchtime and only get your bike out of the cellar shortly beforehand, you may be in for a nasty surprise! Therefore: start your bike check in good time so that there is still time for any unforeseen repairs. This also includes a look in the cupboard - are cleaning agents, chain oil and any small spare parts available? If major repairs are due in the workshop, it is best to make an appointment at the bike shop in good time. In spring, workshops sometimes have long waiting times.
2) Put on gloves and apron
Cleaning bicycles is often a dirty job. To keep fingers and hands clean, it is worth wearing disposable or household gloves. Special workshop aprons, e.g. from Pedro's, protect clothing from dirt, oil and grease.
3) Clean your bike
The best way to remove coarse dirt is with a hand brush or a brush, while an old toothbrush or a bristle brush can also help in hard-to-reach places. Service specialist Pedro's offers a complete "brush set" with four brushes for use on the bike, frame and chain (>> e.g. available here) . Then clean the bike with lukewarm water and a hard-wearing cloth.
A special bicycle cleaner such as the biodegradable "Green Fizz" from Pedro's helps to remove stubborn dirt. To care for rubber and plastic parts and make them supple, use e.g. the "Silicone Guard silicone spray" from M-Wave.
By the way: High-pressure cleaners are taboo when cleaning bikes: they can push dirt and moisture into the bearings and damage them. However, there are now special low-pressure cleaners that have been specially developed for cleaning bicycles.
>> There are even more cleaning tips here
4) Cleaning and lubricating the chain
The easiest way to clean the chain when cleaning your bike is to run it through a dry cloth. For heavier soiling, a special chain brush helps, which makes it easier to clean the chain, cassettes and chainrings thanks to the shape of its nylon bristles.
There are also special chain cleaning devices. Here, a special cleaning brush is already integrated, which brings the cleaner directly into the narrow gaps. This preserves the basic lubrication.
Once the dirt has been removed, the chain is lubricated. Special lubricants tailored to the requirements of the chain, such as "Chain Guard Ultra chain oil" from M-Wave. Excess lubricant should be removed afterwards, as it acts as a dirt trap.
5) Check tyres
A flat tyre has ruined many a tour. To prevent this from happening, a regular tyre check is important - especially after a long winter break. Check all round to see if the tyre has become brittle on the sides and whether it has been damaged by objects such as broken glass, nails, etc. You should also check the rims and spokes for damage. You can also take this opportunity to check the rims and spokes for damage.
6) Inflate correctly
With the correct tyre pressure, it is easier to roll - and the puncture protection is higher. Therefore, do not rely solely on the conventional "thumb method", but check the tyre pressure precisely. Either a precise tyre pressure gauge such as the "Airmax Pro" from Schwalbe or an air pump with pressure gauge (e.g. the Airstep Digi" foot pump from SKS Germany). The minimum and maximum permissible tyre pressure is indicated on the tyre sidewall.
7) Check brakes
Worn brake pads require timely replacement. On mechanical rim brakes, indentations in the brake pads indicate whether there are any reserves left. If not, replace the brake pads! Another indication that the brake pads need replacing is a scraping noise when braking.
Disc brakes are now standard and work reliably in all weathers. A special disc brake cleaner can be used to gently remove brake dust, oil residue and grease from the brakes. The brake pad should be at least one millimetre thick - otherwise it should be replaced. If you feel unsure, it is better to have a specialist take a look.
In general, regular maintenance and a visit to a specialist dealer is advisable for all hydraulic brake systems.
8) Check and adjust the light
For annual riders, the lighting system is in constant use, as they are always travelling with lights on in the morning and evening. But even in summer, it is worth driving with daytime running lights for better visibility.
If the lights do not work, the cables and contacts should be checked first. "Burnt-out bulbs are a thing of the past. Modern LED lights (e.g. "IQ-X" from Busch & Müller with 100 lux) last reliably for the life of the bike.
9) Check the screw connections
At the end of the check, the bolts on all important components such as the stem, handlebars, cranks and chainrings should be checked again to make sure they are tight.
>> 10 minitools in the MYBIKE test
Loosened screw connections can be tightened again using a multitool. But be careful! Experienced screwdrivers know: After tight comes loose. Therefore, always observe the manufacturer's torque specifications.
>> read a test of torque spanners here
10) Polishing
Finally, when cleaning the bike, use a lint-free cloth to remove the remaining moisture and bring the bike back to a high gloss, e.g. with the "Bike Lust Polish" from Pedro's. The protective polish cares for the surfaces and protects against UV rays.
Barbara Merz-Weigandt
Editor-in-Chief
