bike - I Love Bicycling

Mountain biking is an exciting and challenging outdoor activity that combines fitness, adventure, and nature in one. It’s a sport that requires a high level of skill, endurance, and physical strength, and is enjoyed by millions of people around the world. Whether you’re riding through challenging terrain, crossing streams, or soaring down steep descents, mountain biking is a sport that offers a unique and exciting experience.

However, with all the demands of the sport, it’s essential to maintain your mountain bike properly to ensure it lasts a long time and performs at its best. One of the most critical aspects of mountain bike maintenance is lubrication. By keeping your bike well-lubricated, you can reduce friction, prevent wear and tear, and ensure that all the components work properly.

Today we’re going to guide you through the steps on how to lubricate your mountain bike, including the benefits of lubrication and the difference between grease and lube. Whether you’re a seasoned mountain biker or just starting out, this article will help you keep your bike in top condition.

Esther Pueyo/Adobe Stock

Lube Vs. Grease: Which is Better?

When it comes to lubricating your mountain bike, there are two main options: lube and grease. Both have their own benefits and disadvantages, and choosing the right one can be confusing.

Lube is a thin liquid that is applied to the bike’s components to reduce friction and prevent wear. It is specifically designed for bikes and is formulated to withstand the demands of cycling. Lube is easy to apply and spreads evenly over the surface, making it ideal for lubricating chains and other moving parts.

Grease, on the other hand, is a thicker substance that is designed to provide a long-lasting barrier between metal surfaces. It can be used for lubricating pivot points and other high-stress areas where erosion between heavy parts is likely to occur. Grease is also resistant to water, making it a good option for lubricating in wet conditions.

Both lube and grease have their own unique benefits, and are useful in different situations. By understanding the differences between the two, you can choose the best option for your mountain bike to help create an effortless and hassle-free riding experience.

Parts of a mountain bike (how to lubricate your mountain bike)

Parts of a mountain bike. Credit: www.schoolworkerhelper.net

Reference the above diagram as we now delve into the steps required to make sure your mountain bike stays lubricated, increasing the chances that it will perform at a high level for years to come!

1. Preparing the Bike for Lubrication: Cleaning

Before lubricating, it’s essential to clean the bike to remove any dirt, grime, or debris that may have accumulated on its parts. Use a degreaser to clean the chain, derailleurs, and cassette. A simple mixture of warm water and dish soap will do the trick for the rest of the bike. Make sure to dry the components thoroughly before moving on to the next step (water and lubricant don’t mix!).

2. Lubricating the Critical Component: The Chain

The chain is the most integral component to lubricate on your mountain bike. Apply a few drops of bike-specific lubricant to each link and work the chain back and forth to spread it evenly. Wipe off any excess lubricant to prevent attracting dirt and grime.

3. Smooth Shifting and Pedaling: Derailleurs and Cassette

The derailleurs and cassette can also benefit from a drop or two of lubricant. Apply the lubricant to the moving parts and pivot points, being careful not to get any lubricant on the brake rotors or rubber components where traction is necessary.

4. Reducing Friction at Pivot Points

Pivot points, such as the suspension pivots, can benefit from lubricant as well. These points see a lot of movement, so it’s essential to keep them transitioning smoothly to reduce friction and prolong the life of your bike.

5. Ensuring Optimal Operation: Lubricating Dry Spots

Check the rest of your bike for any dry spots that may need lubrication, such as the brake and shifter cables. Adding lubricant to these areas can contribute to the efficient and long-lasting use of your bicycle.

Tim Foster/Unsplash

It’s recommended to lubricate your mountain bike every few rides, or at least once every three months, depending on the frequency and intensity of your use. In wet and muddy conditions, it’s a good idea to lubricate after each ride to prevent corrosion.

Lubricating your mountain bike is a simple and effective way to prolong its lifespan and get the most out of its performance capabilities. As part of a regular maintenance schedule, you can mitigate costly part repairs and service fees, and focus more on the sport you’ve invested in and grown to love.

Before starting with the how to’s and how not to travel with your road bike, you must understand that it is a huge pain to travel with your bike. There is honestly no way around it. Hauling around a 30 pound bike bag, no matter how well designed it is, is just plain frustrating. Once you accept this fact, you are ready to travel the world with your bike in tow.

To Bring, or Not to Bring Your Bike

If your main purpose of your trip is to ride your bike, and you are completely in love with it, then absolutely travel with your bike! There’s nothing better than touring a new place on your trusty steed. In this case, you are probably logging a lot of kilometers and even the smallest discomfort on a rental bike can lead to more serious aches and pains later in your vacation.

Type of Travel

If you are planning on staying in one location for the majority of the trip, this also bodes well when considering bringing your bike. The fewer location changes, the fewer times you will need to assemble and reassemble your bike. If you are visiting a number of different cities, think about renting. Constant packing and unpacking, assembling and disassembling can be a drag.

Are you planning on using a bike for exploring, visiting tourist attractions and as your main form of transportation? Consider renting a bike. Locking up your favorite bike outside in areas you are unfamiliar with is asking for trouble.

If you are traveling with your family, and you are the only one riding, you might want to rent. Having your bike in the corner of the condo or timeshare will have you feeling guilty. It might also tempt you to take it out for a rip when you should be joining the rest of your family for breakfast.

Airline Fees

Every airline is different, but with more people traveling with bikes, airlines are taking note and applying surcharges for bikes. Certain airlines are fantastic to fly with, while others apply a heavy tariff as a disincentive. Expect to pay anywhere from $25 on the low-end to up to $200 on the high-end.

Discount Airlines

Are you traveling somewhere with a discount airline? These discount airlines are often tempting, but be sure to investigate how much it will cost you to travel with your bike. It is frequently more economical to fly with a major airline who charge less for bikes rather than a discount airline who might charge up to $20/kg when you find yourself over the allotted weight limit.

A Smile Goes a Long Way

When checking your bike bag, any use of the word bike will likely end up in a surcharge. Stating that you are: “checking oversize luggage” instead of “checking my bike bag” will often save you an added charge. When prompted, the contents of your luggage is better referred to as “sporting goods” instead of “a bike.” As always, you are at the mercy of the airline staff, so being patient and starting the conversation with a big smile can go a long way.

As previously mentioned, because more people are flying with bikes, always expect to pay as per the airline’s policy and be pleasantly surprised when you get through uncharged.

Other Considerations

Bring Your Backup Bike

Consider bringing your backup bike. People in the Pacific North West tend to have “winter bikes” and as tempting as it is to pack up your summer “race” bike, consider bringing your backup bike instead. A forklift through a rear triangle or cracked carbon wheel is a sure way to start your vacation in tears.

Bike Touring

If you plan on bringing your bike and riding it from the airport, consider packing your bike in a robust cardboard box (many bike shops will have old boxes that they are giving away). Once arrived at your destination, assemble your bike at the airport, recycle the cardboard box and begin your adventure!

Travel With Your Bike

Getting to and From the Airport

If you are traveling on your own there may be less of an issue but if you are traveling with a partner or a friend, you will need a van to get you from the airport. This can be difficult in some cities, so plan ahead. Some large taxis charge extra for the van; take this into account. There are very few options which allow you to ride to and from the airport with bike bag in hand. Orucase is your best bet if you are a light packer and have the wrenching skills and patience to sit around at the airport assembling a bike.

Storing Your Bike Bag

Bike bags are big, so you will want to think about where you will be storing these behemoths during your stay. Most softshell cases pack down fairly small, but hardshell cases are awkward and might find themselves parked in the corner of the motel room.

Assembling Your Bike

In most cases, you will need to have basic maintenance skills in order to reassemble your bike. If you are particularly intimidated by tearing your bike apart, high-end bike bags like Scicon will have the least amount of reassembly required. At the other extreme, the Orucase has the user remove the wheels, stem, fork, adjust seat height and remove rear derailleur. Most other travel bags, such as the ever popular EVOC, will be in between these two extremes. Remove the pedals, the handlebars and you’re off to the races!

What To Pack

Pump
Set of allen keys (make sure you have one large enough for your pedals)
Torque wrench if possible
Lock
Multi-tool
Spare tubes
Tire levers
Patch kit
Helmet
Shoes
Gloves
Glasses
Jersey
Shorts

Enjoy your trip!

How To Lubricate Your Mountain Bike (A Step By Step Guide)

Lube Vs. Grease: Which is Better?

1. Preparing the Bike for Lubrication: Cleaning

2. Lubricating the Critical Component: The Chain