How to do Daily Maintenance for Carbon Bicycle ?

[mickeywu]

A Bicycle is a big investment and it is important to keep it in sound working order not only for top performance, but also for the safety of the rider and those riding around him/her. It is a pity that many folks ignore the importance of regular preventative maintenance on their bicycle.

Actually, it is quite necessary for all the riders to getting into the habit of caring for your bike like your life depended on it.

A well maintained bike bolsters confidence and enhances a positive attitude! And one of the first steps to being a winner is attitude.

Here are some tips for daily maintenance your carbon bicycles

In short: Periodic Inspection
---- each ride, monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, annually
A. Each ride: ABC Wheel Quick!
A = Air:  Ensure proper tire inflation and check for tire wear.
B = Brakes and Bars:  Check proper brake function (proper cable tension and pad alignment).  Check handlebars for cracks which indicate an impending failure.
C = Chain and Cables:  (Check for tight links and fraying cables)
Wheel = Check for trueness and spoke tension/damage
Quick = Quick Releases (Ensure QRs are fully seated...do not close against the fork, seatstay, or chainstay which may prevent full seating of QR)
B. Monthly:
　　--Clean, Lubricate, and inspect drivetrain (cassette, chain [replace every 2000 to 2500 miles...10 speed sooner], chainrings, and derailleurs)
　　--Check wheel bearing adjustment (while wheel is on bike, try to move wheel from side to side…if you feel play, adjustment is necessary)
　　--Check headset and bottom bracket adjustment (Pick up front of bike and steer the handlebars from side to side…movement should be smooth and easy…adjust if tight or “indexed.”  Then with the front wheel on the ground, move bike forward and backward while you squeeze the front brake lever…if you feel play in the headset, it needs adjustment.  For bottom bracket, try to move crankarms from side to side…if you feel play or “creaking” noises when you ride, bottom bracket adjustment cup or fixed cup may be loose…also check crankarm bolts for proper tightness.)  Another source of loud creaking when you stand is sometimes the front skewer…lube and check tightness.
　　--Check for loose nuts and bolts (headset, seatpost, waterbottle cages, handlebar, crankarm, chainring, stem bolts, pedals, any mounting screws)
　　--Clean frame and working components and check for wear and breakage
　　--Lubricate brake, shifter, and pedal pivot points
　　--Inspect tires for wear and replace if necessary (don’t forget to check rim tape to insure all spoke holes are completely covered and tape is not deteriorating)
　　--Inspect shoe cleats for wear (tighten or replace if necessary)
C. Quarterly:
　　--Thorough check of brake function (inspect pad wear, pad alignment, cable tension)
　　--Clean and wax frame, inspect for damage/hairline cracks on frame, hubs, and rims
　　--check tool kit (insure you have the needed tools to make minor repairs on the road...insure spare tube and patch kit are in good working order and not dry rotted or that the glue has dried up)
　　--Thoroughly clean drivetrain
 D. Semi-Annually:
　　--Take out Seatpost and Quill Stem…clean and lube (Do not lube carbon fiber seatpost or seat tube)
　　--Inspect handlebar tape and replace if necessary
 E. Annually:
　　--All the above and overhaul Bottom Bracket, Wheel Bearings, Headset, and pedals.  Check derailleur hanger alignment.  Replace worn or corroded cables and cable housing.  (Overhaul means to completely disassemble, clean, lube and adjust for proper function.  If this is beyond your expertise, you should have it done professionally.  Everything on your bike that has threads should be lubed with grease at least annually.)
　　--Don’t forget to lube your frame and floor pump!  You may need them.
　　
　　Enjoy your bike, enjoy your life!--YS-mickey

[cerealkilla']

Awesome post. Thank goodness for Mickey coming to our rescue! He's so fine he blows my mind! However, he has left me without the critical knowledge of how to care for my NON-carbon bicycle. Can someone out there help me?

[mickeywu]

Originally Posted by cerealkilla'

Awesome post. Thank goodness for Mickey coming to our rescue! He's so fine he blows my mind! However, he has left me without the critical knowledge of how to care for my NON-carbon bicycle. Can someone out there help me?

Hah, Don't you think that some many knowledge are compatible?
Just like the bike parts.
I think that this article will be helpful for maintenance to your non-carbon bicycle as well.

[cerealkilla']

Massive positive reps to Mickey for setting me straight!