Newbie bike maintenance question

[nagsheadwarrior]

Quick question.
Ive just bought a Carrera Subway which is superb compared to my old apollo lump so i want to keep it that way.
I commute to work most days on road and a muddy towpath,circa 50 miles a week.
I wash the bike twice a week,ive got some 3 in 1 oil,is this the right stuff and how often and where should i lubricate?
Is there any other simple maintenance i should do?

[Fozziebear]

Get some ptfe lube for the chain, it'll keep it in better condition than 3 in 1.

[mdavids]

Finish line lube for your chain. Wet lube (green bottle) for muddy conditions and dry lube (red bottle)for the one dusty day we have each year.

GT85 - bit like wd40 in that it drives out water but also leaves a ptfe coating. After washing the bike spray it on yer bits - derailleurs, cassette etc but dont use it on braking surfaces. Halfords often do 3 tins for a fiver.

Dont wash the bike too much, does it more harm than good sometimes. Bit of dried on mud doesn't really matter that much.

Hosepipe is ok, jetwash isn't. Dont blast water into areas where there's grease like hubs and bottom bracket.

Edited by mdavids on Sunday 26th May 23:01

Edited by mdavids on Sunday 26th May 23:01

[Jimbo.]

Twice a week is too much. A little bit of dirt won't hurt, and chances are you're knocking oil and grease from places you want it to stay, and introducing water to places you don't want it to be!

Keep you rims clean
Keep you brake pads clear of debris
Keep you cables clean and lubricated
Keep your chain clean and lubricated, and keep an eye on wear
Keep your cassette and chainrings clean and lubricated, and keep an eye on wear
Keep your cables lubricated

3-in-1 is better than nothing (and an entirely separate cycling debate!), but not as good as some. However, cleanliness is more important than which lubricant you use.

[nagsheadwarrior]

Nice one chaps,thanks for the info,will cut down the washing to once a week,it gets pretty coated in mud so think that is needed,will get some different lubricants.

[XG332]

Also worth some wd40 or similar down the cable sleeves. Helps disperse water and keep them sliding.