With proper care and maintenance your bike can age as timelessly as a French burgundy, or even Helen Mirren! Diligence, consistency and simply using the correct lubricants and care products at the right times will help keep your bike working smoothly and looking good.
Putting in the effort also makes it easier to maintain the components. Simply follow the schedule set forth in our infographic below and you’ll be well on your way making your bike last for years to come. And for in-depth tutorials on how to complete each task and more, don't miss our complete guide to bicycle maintenance!
Varnish, anodised finish, carbon
(Every six months, but more frequently when cycling in the rain)
Rub wax on all varnished, anodised and carbon surfaces, on aluminium and all metal parts, including screws, but with the exception of the brake contact surfaces. After allowing the polish to dry for a while, then polish the surfaces using a cotton cloth. Protect vulnerable areas such as hubs and cable guides using spray wax.
Seat post
(Once a year)
Remove the saddle, seat post and seat post clamp and apply assembly grease to all screws. Only use assembly grease on the seat post if the frame and post are made of metal. If there is a carbon component involved, you need to use special carbon assembly paste.
Brake body
(Every six months, but more frequently when cycling in the rain)
Wash the brake assembly and allow it to dry. Apply penetrating oil to pivots, cable mechanisms and the contact and friction points of external springs. Allow the oil to soak in, then wipe off any excess lubricant.
Derailleurs and gear shifters
(Every six months, but more frequently when cycling in the rain)
Clean all the components of the front and rear derailleurs and gear shifters, including the derailleur rollers. Apply penetrating oil to hinges and the contact and friction points of the springs. Allow the oil to soak in, then wipe off any excess lubricant.
Chain
(Every 100 to 200 miles, or after cycling in the rain)
Wipe the chain clean and evenly apply chain lubricant. Turn the cranks to move the chain through a full rotation, then allow the chain to absorb the oil for a while before wiping it off.
Cranks and inner bearings
(Every six months, but more frequently when cycling in the rain)
Remove and clean cranks and bottom bracket assembly. Apply assembly grease to the threads, the sides of the bottom bracket housing and the bearing cups. Apply bearing grease to non-sealed bearings. Unless recommended otherwise, also apply assembly grease to the cranks and their securing bolts.
Handlebars and stem
(Once a year)
Remove the handlebars and the stem and clean them. Where carbon components are fitted, apply carbon assembly paste to the steerer tube and its clamp and also to the handlebars and the handlebar clamp (in order to reduce the clamping torque). Apply assembly grease to screws.
Headset
(Once a year)
Remove the stem, clean the bearing assembly and bearing seats and refit the assembly after applying bearing grease.
Hubs
(Every six months, but more frequently when cycling in the rain)
Remove the cassette, remove the bearings and clean the bearing seats, bearing units and also the freewheel. Similarly, remove and clean the front hub bearings. Apply bearing grease to bearing units and bearing seats and where necessary apply special freewheel lubricant to the freewheel components. Apply assembly grease to the outside of the freehub or freewheel body.
Pedals
(Every six months, but more frequently when cycling in the rain or if pedals become noisy)
Grease exposed pedal springs using penetrating oil or spray wax. If you can hear squeaking or cracking noises coming from the cleats, apply grease to the contact points.
Final tips for maintaining your bike
- After removing components, check for scratches, cracks, discolouration, damaged areas, indentations or abrasions. Replace any suspect parts and ask your specialist dealer for advice where necessary.
- If you are planning a long ride or holiday, it‘s advisable to take care of maintenance jobs while preparing your bike for the trip.
- Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when using lubricants and cleaning fluids. Always tighten fixings to the specified torque, where given, and always use good-quality tools.
