First things first: pumping up the air and putting two drops of oil on the chain won't be enough to shake your bike out of hibernation. If the mud from your last autumn tour is still stuck to the down tube, it's best to start with a thorough bike wash, then it's time to get down to business. But don't worry - you don't need a degree in mechanical engineering or expensive special tools to get your bike back in shape for your first tour. Seven simple steps are all you need to track down the typical damage to your bike. Detailed instructions on how to fix the problems can be found under the relevant web codes on our website - just click:
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GROOMED ON THE MOUNTAIN
Is your MTB equipment still fit for purpose? Use these tricks to get your rucksack, shoes, helmet and jersey back to new.
1 pair of glasses
Glasses scratch quite quickly. It is best to wash off dirt and dust under running water and polish the lenses dry with a fine cloth. Only spin dry the lenses on tour. Rubbing with the hem of your jersey will leave the first scratches on the glasses.
2 Backpack
If the back padding starts to stink and salt crusts crumble from the shoulder straps, the rucksack needs a bath. However, the washing machine destroys the PU layer that makes the rucksack water-repellent and tear-resistant. It is therefore better to scrub by hand with a brush and pH-neutral soap. Sticky energy bar residue in the inner compartment? Put the rucksack in the freezer. Hard frozen, the dirt can be crumbled out. Once dry, apply waterproofing spray.
3 Shoes
Some bikers simply stuff their bike shoes into the washing machine packed in a cloth bag (remove the cleats first!). However, mesh and leather as well as seams and bondings suffer as a result. Better: remove the insole and clean the outside and inside of the shoe under running water with a sponge and brush. Then stuff the shoe with newspaper and allow it to dry thoroughly (do not put it on the heater!). Wash the insole separately. If the shoe is still slightly damp, spray with waterproofing spray. Sagrotan spray or foot powder (e.g. from Scholl) helps against shoe odour. If the cleats can no longer be removed: Leave Caramba spray on overnight.
4 Jersey and trousers
Washed at 30-40 degrees with mild detergent, but the stink is still there? That kills the bacteria: Put the jersey in an airtight bag and put it in the freezer for a day at -20 degrees. Or soak clothes in a bucket of water with a cup of vinegar essence and then put them in the washing machine. Has a deodorising effect: Basefresh from Nikwax, 300 ml approx. 6 euros.
5 Helmet
Remove the inner padding and rinse the pads in the sink with mild detergent. Then leave to dry thoroughly, but not on the heater, otherwise the fabric will warp. Wipe the helmet shell and straps with a damp cloth. This will also reveal any fine cracks.
Stefan Frey
Editor
