Mountain bike maintainance

[R1 GTR]

Ok, now i've got a proper mountain bike, it's probably worth knowing how to maintain it properly to get the best from it. What kind of regular stuff needs doing? At the mo, all i do is spray the rear derailleur cogs with WD40 as they have started to squeak a little. I also spray the bottom bracket. I've heard this GT85 stuff mentioned a lot. What is it, just a thicker lubricant? And what about gears, brakes and forks?

Also, although a relatively new bike (bought on 19th June) the brakes have developed a bubbling noise when applied. Now i would say this means theres some air in there and they need bleeding, correct? If so, what do i need to bleed them?

Thanks guys, i know its a lot to take in but i want this bike to perform well and last.

[thehappyotter]

I wouldn't use WD40 on my drivetrain.

Dry Teflon lube in the summer and proper wet lube in the winter. I use the Finish Line stuff and it works well, I insist on blasting clean my bike with a hose (not jetwash) and re-lubing after every single ride.

WD40 just doesn't last long enough.

[neil_bolton]

thehappyotter said:

I wouldn't use WD40 on my drivetrain.

Ditto.

WD40 is the worst stuff you can use - everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, small animals, pikeys, the lot, stick to your drivetrain once you've used it.

I use GT85 - ok, not the most advanced of lubes, and certainly not the best, but it smells of nice memories, and does the job.

In the winter: Wet lube and regular cleaning.
In the summer: Dry lube with teflon and regular cleaning

[neil_bolton]

Oh and if you don't know how to bleed brakes, find someone who does, or at least get friendly with your LBS.

Brakes are not the best job for the beginner mechanic.

Also get either Park Tools mechanic book, or theres another one that the name forgets me.

You also have Haynes for a Bike Maintenance book, with my best mates own fair hands in the pictures. Bit out of dates perhaps now unless its been updated.

[pdV6]

neil_bolton said:

regular cleaning

Is this one of those "do as I say, not as I do" moments?

[neil_bolton]

pdV6 said:

neil_bolton said:

regular cleaning

Is this one of those "do as I say, not as I do" moments?

Meh

[gbbird]

Get yourtself the book 'Zinn and the Art Of Mountain Bike Maintenance' and you will be sorted. I knew sweet fanny adams, but this book, in conjunction with this forum, not only allowed me to maintain my bokes, but also build one.

g

[R1 GTR]

neil_bolton said:

Oh and if you don't know how to bleed brakes, find someone who does, or at least get friendly with your LBS.

Brakes are not the best job for the beginner mechanic.

Also get either Park Tools mechanic book, or theres another one that the name forgets me.

You also have Haynes for a Bike Maintenance book, with my best mates own fair hands in the pictures. Bit out of dates perhaps now unless its been updated.

Ok i can get to my LBS easily but i am correct in thinking the bubbling noise is trapped air?

[neil_bolton]

gbbird said:

Get yourtself the book 'Zinn and the Art Of Mountain Bike Maintenance' and you will be sorted. I knew sweet fanny adams, but this book, in conjunction with this forum, not only allowed me to maintain my bokes, but also build one.

g

Thaaaaaaaats the bugger! Get that one!

[Black5]

R1 GTR said:

neil_bolton said:

Oh and if you don't know how to bleed brakes, find someone who does, or at least get friendly with your LBS.

Brakes are not the best job for the beginner mechanic.

Also get either Park Tools mechanic book, or theres another one that the name forgets me.

You also have Haynes for a Bike Maintenance book, with my best mates own fair hands in the pictures. Bit out of dates perhaps now unless its been updated.

Ok i can get to my LBS easily but i am correct in thinking the bubbling noise is trapped air?

I can't imagine any way that a rubbing noise can be trapped air.

It could be something as simple as a stone stuck in the pads. Take the wheel off and have a look.

[R1 GTR]

Black5 said:

R1 GTR said:

neil_bolton said:

Oh and if you don't know how to bleed brakes, find someone who does, or at least get friendly with your LBS.

Brakes are not the best job for the beginner mechanic.

Also get either Park Tools mechanic book, or theres another one that the name forgets me.

You also have Haynes for a Bike Maintenance book, with my best mates own fair hands in the pictures. Bit out of dates perhaps now unless its been updated.

Ok i can get to my LBS easily but i am correct in thinking the bubbling noise is trapped air?

I can't imagine any way that a rubbing noise can be trapped air.

Ahem i said bubbling, you know like air bubbles

[Black5]

R1 GTR said:

Black5 said:

R1 GTR said:

neil_bolton said:

Oh and if you don't know how to bleed brakes, find someone who does, or at least get friendly with your LBS.

Brakes are not the best job for the beginner mechanic.

Also get either Park Tools mechanic book, or theres another one that the name forgets me.

You also have Haynes for a Bike Maintenance book, with my best mates own fair hands in the pictures. Bit out of dates perhaps now unless its been updated.

Ok i can get to my LBS easily but i am correct in thinking the bubbling noise is trapped air?

I can't imagine any way that a rubbing noise can be trapped air.

Ahem i said bubbling, you know like air bubbles

Doh!

[Xenocide]

Hydraulic discs??

[R1 GTR]

Xenocide said:

Hydraulic discs??

[Rednut05]

neil_bolton said:

gbbird said:

Get yourtself the book 'Zinn and the Art Of Mountain Bike Maintenance' and you will be sorted. I knew sweet fanny adams, but this book, in conjunction with this forum, not only allowed me to maintain my bokes, but also build one.

g

Thaaaaaaaats the bugger! Get that one!

Another vote. It's a winner!

[pcwilson]

There's a good article on keeping your bike clean in this month's MBR magazine.