Proper maintenance involves both lubricating the chain with lube and applying grease to specific components on your mountain bike to ensure smooth operation and prevent wear and corrosion.
Applying lube to the chain is a frequent task. According to maintenance advice, you can apply lube by pedaling the bike backward. This helps distribute the lube effectively onto the chain links. Once you've applied the lube, it's crucial to wipe off any excess. Keeping moisture out of most bike parts is also essential for longevity and performance.
While chain lubrication (using lube) is vital for the drivetrain, greasing involves applying a thicker substance to components like bearings and threads.
Key Areas for Greasing on a Mountain Bike
Grease serves to protect parts from water ingress, reduce friction in moving parts, and prevent components from seizing. Here are some common areas where grease is applied:
- Bearing Components:
- Hubs: Grease is used inside hub bearings (either loose ball or cartridge) to ensure smooth wheel rotation and prevent contamination.
- Bottom Bracket: The bearings and threads of the bottom bracket require grease to operate smoothly under load and protect the frame's threads.
- Headset: Grease is applied to headset bearings and contact points to allow smooth steering and prevent creaking and corrosion.
- Threads:
- Pedal Threads: Applying a layer of grease to pedal threads before installing them prevents them from seizing in the crank arms, making removal easier in the future.
- Bolt Threads: Grease or anti-seize compound can be used on various bolt threads (like stem bolts, seatpost bolts) to prevent seizing and ensure accurate torque readings.
- Seatpost: Applying a thin layer of grease to a metal seatpost before inserting it into the frame helps prevent it from seizing. Note: Carbon seatposts typically require carbon paste, not grease.
Chain Lubrication Steps (as per reference)
Maintaining your chain is distinct from greasing but equally important. Here's how to lube your chain based on common practice, incorporating the provided reference detail:
- Prepare the Chain: Ensure the chain is relatively clean. You may need to degrease and clean it first if it's very dirty.
- Apply Lube: Hold your chosen chain lube over the chain while stationary.
- Distribute Lube: Stay there [at the chain]. And simply pedal the bike backwards getting the lube onto the chain. Apply a drop of lube to each roller or run a steady stream along the top of the chain while backpedaling slowly.
- Allow Penetration: Let the lube sit for a few minutes to penetrate the rollers.
- Wipe Excess: Once you're done you simply wipe the excess [lube] off. Use a clean rag to remove excess lube from the outside of the chain. Excess lube attracts dirt.
- Protect from Moisture: Remember, you want to keep moisture out of most of the parts of your bike, and a clean, properly lubed chain is part of this.
While the reference focuses on chain lube application, understanding where grease is applied is essential for comprehensive mountain bike maintenance. Always use bicycle-specific grease and lube products appropriate for your bike's components and riding conditions.
