[carney2]

Bought my first "real" bike last year. I bought it used and took it to a reputable bike repair store for a "once over" and parts replacement before riding it. The gods were against me, and I doubt if I logged more than 100-200 miles for the whole season. It performed great for every one of those miles. No problems. In early November I carted the bike into my basement, where it has remained ever since.

Sometime during the next few weeks, the bike will be coming out of "storage." My question is: what maintenace/preparation routines should I be going through before I climb into the saddle for 2006?

 

[Kerry Irons]

Simple steps

In early November I carted the bike into my basement, where it has remained ever since.

Quite simple. Check the tires to be sure they're not cracked or bulged. Wipe the chain, cogs, chainrings, and rear derailleur to remove any "black gunk" from the chain, and then lube the chain with something like ProLink. Wipe the chain again. Squeeze the brakes to be sure they work properly and without excess friction. Run the bike through its gears. Assuming all works correctly, you're ready to ride.

 

[carney2]

Quite simple. Check the tires to be sure they're not cracked or bulged. Wipe the chain, cogs, chainrings, and rear derailleur to remove any "black gunk" from the chain, and then lube the chain with something like ProLink. Wipe the chain again. Squeeze the brakes to be sure they work properly and without excess friction. Run the bike through its gears. Assuming all works correctly, you're ready to ride.

Thanks. I had visions of having to take (who knows what) apart and not being able to get it back into proper working order.

 

[rogger]

Just give her a good rub-down, make her shine and you're ready to ride.

 

[Mr. Versatile]

If you don't ride in the winter and do a bit of your maint., IMO it's best to do it in the late fall. After you go over your bike, take a post-it-note, write down what you did and/or what you still need to do, and stick it on your handlebars. Also, when storing your bike inside, keep it as far from any electric motors, e.g. furnace, washer/dryer, etc. The motors produce ozone which dries out rubber & plastics, causing them to harden & crack.