This service article explains which lubricant, grease and oil belongs where and how often:
1 Inner bearing
Regular maintenance keeps the bearings fit and prevents cracking.
How often? Once per season or in the event of cracking noises.
Who does it? If the superficial treatment with assembly grease (water and dirt repellent) does not achieve the desired effect, it's off to a professional screwdriver. Because be careful: Dismantling industrial bearings requires special tools.
2 Chain
The condition of the chain depends on the weather and riding conditions. In addition to universal oils, there are also oils specifically for dry and wet conditions.
How often? Frank Ripper from Sram recommends cleaning the chain after every ride and lubricating it with chain oil.
Who does it? Anyone can maintain a chain. An absolute must for all bikers.
Which chain oil is best suited? We have listed the best lubricants in our large Chain oil test determined.
3 Tax rate
A tough grease packing keeps out dirt and water and prevents unpleasant noises.
How often? Before and after the winter.
Who does it? Removing the stem is no problem. Re-tuning the headset requires a little finesse.
4 Seat post
Not grease, but assembly paste! Prevents twisting and protects.
How often? At the end of the season or when the seatpost has play.
Who does it? Anyone can apply assembly paste, but be careful: only use special carbon paste for carbon parts!
5 Circuit/drive
After cleaning, all joints and axles of the rear derailleur are sprayed with a thin layer of oil.
How often? At least once per season and additionally after every dirt and mud tour.
Who does it? Any hobby biker can do that.
6 Suspension fork / damper
Fox suspension expert Chris Trojer warns: "So-called maintenance oils can attack seals, contaminate the lubricating oil inside or bind dirt to the sliding surfaces. Better: clean with a gentle jet of water and a soft cloth."
How often? Regularly, especially after muddy rides.
Who does it? Maintenance requires no screwdriver skills.
7 Fully rear frame
The sealed bearings are not regreased. If there are problems (creaking or bearing play), they must be replaced - special tools are required for this. To analyse, remove the shock absorber and check the friction and bearing play in the rear triangle.
How often? If required.
Who does it? You can use spray oil to eliminate any external noises in the short term. Otherwise: off to a professional!
CARE TIPS
- Clean components thoroughly before lubricating, otherwise an abrasive paste will form.
- Keep oil, grease and other lubricants carefully away from brakes and brake discs.
- Do not grease screws that are preloaded! (Stem, handlebars etc.)
LUBRICANT LEXICON
- Chain oils are the classics of drivetrain care. You should not use too much of it, or wipe off any residue shortly after application - otherwise the chain will attract too much dirt.
- Dry lubricants based on ceramic or wax are a good alternative for chain care. The surface remains dry and attracts less dirt. Use more frequently than classic oils!
- Spray and penetrating oils are suitable as corrosion protection and for loosening rusted screws. Caution: penetrating oils can attack plastic seals and displace other lubricants. They are not suitable as permanent lubrication for the chain as they evaporate too quickly.
- Assembly grease is used as corrosion protection where mechanics do not move (seat post, thread of the bottom bracket, headset cups). Special assembly paste is available for carbon clamps (seat post, handlebars, etc.), which does not attack the fibres and increases friction.
- Bearing greases are only used for open bearings, which are rarely used today. Ball bearings, e.g. in hubs or older headsets, may be generously filled with bearing grease.
Christoph Allwang, Head of BIKE Test Lab:
"Bikers should remove dirt from their bikes more often. If you only relubricate, you bind dirt and make it more stubborn, which increases wear."
You can read this article or the entire BIKE 1/2017 issue in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or buy the issue in the DK shop reorder:
