I've worked as a mechanic in the bike industry for over 35 years. I get asked for bike care tips a lot so I thought I'd pass along my top five.
1. Find a mechanic you trust and have them check your bike regularly
I know - exactly what you'd expect a mechanic to say (I also follow this advice with my car.) Once you find a good mechanic, your loyalty should be rewarded with a smooth-running, problem-free ride. If you log thousands of miles, ride in poor conditions, or are generally hard on equipment you may need more service than normal and it's good to have someone who knows your unique needs. If you return to the same mechanic time after time, they'll have a personal interest in your experience when you ride. That'll show every time you get on your bike.
I'd also recommend calling ahead to make an appointment. Sometimes it's just the polite thing to do, but many shops are overwhelmed in the summer. Making an appointment means you'll likely spend less time without your bike.
2. Oil your chain with a good quality chain-specific lube
Lubricants that are made specifically for chains are designed for the high load and contamination-rife drivetrains on bikes. There are also many lubes available that won't make a greasy mess. Silca Super Secret truly can't be beat. It's a liquid wax that doesn't make a mess and runs super smooth, but it's pricey (well worth the money). Rock n Roll Gold is a good, more affordable alternative. Try to avoid using thin lubes like Tri-flow on your chain - they wear out quickly and attract a lot of dirt. And WD-40? It's not really a lube, it's made to displace water to prevent rust. I like it to clean chains, but it will only last a few miles if you attempt to use it as a lube.
For more scientific research on chain lubes, see zerofriction.com
3. Pay attention to air pressure
This means that you may need to do some trial and error to find the correct pressure. There's a lot of information going around the industry about what 'correct pressure' really is. I've been running 90psi in 700x25c tires for over 25 years, even when everyone recommended 120psi. To me, the ride quality on the rough roads was more important than 1.5 watts saved at higher pressure. I also found that if I ran less pressure, I would pinch flat my tubes. Tubeless road tires might allow for even lower pressure, as would a bit wider tire (if it fits your frame).
Also, better quality tires offer much better ride quality. Period. Everything you read about Vittoria Corsa and Continental GP5000 tires is true - they're both great tires. The downside is that they're nearly $100 each now, but consider it an investment in your riding experience.
Want more scientific information about tire pressure vs rolling resistance? Check out bicyclerollingresistance.com. He offers a lot of information about how tire pressure affects rolling resistance.
4. Preventative maintenance is better than waiting until you have a problem
Bikes don't break down when they hang in the garage. They break down at the worst possible moment, usually climbing a big hill. Routine preventative maintenance will catch problems before they lead to a ruined afternoon ride. Preventative maintenance will make sure your derailleur hanger is aligned properly for better shifting, check your chain for wear or damage, and check your cable condition. When was the last time you replaced the batteries in your wireless shifters? Are your stem bolts tight? Spokes tensioned properly? Don't wait to find out during the grand fondo you've trained for all year.
5. Replace your cables.
Cables and housing wear. Although they do last a long time, nothing shifts better than new cables. Cables wear grooves inside the housings, increasing friction. I replace my cables about every 2000 miles, my housings every 4000 miles. Don't ride that much? At least have your cables lubricated. It makes a big difference in shifting quality.
You shouldn't be surprised to hear me say this: better quality cables shift better. My choice for all of my bikes is Jagwire Pro slick polished cables. This is the best working cable I've ever used.
There you go, my top five tips. There's more where these came from, but these are the tips I tell everyone first when they ask. I hope they help you have a great ride!
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