How To Lube Your Mountain Bike

A mountain bike is a lot of fun although it does

require some maintenance.  You should always lube

your bike 15 hours or so before riding, as quick

jobs right before you take off normally doesn't

get everything lubed.  Some lube jobs will last 

for more rides, although if things get loud or 

shifting gets sticky, it's time to lube.

Here is how to lube your bike:

1.  The chain

Apply a generous amount of mountain bike lube to 

your chain as you move the pedals around backwards.

It also helps to find a spot to steady your hand

such as the frame while you move the pedals around

and around.  Make sure you watch out for the cranks

and chain rings as they move around.

2.  Front Deraileur

On the front defaileur, lube the pivots.  Use a 

spot of lube everywhere you can see movement when

you move the shift lever.

3.  Rear deraileur

Just like the front deraileur, lube the pivots.  

4.  Pedals

There are some types of clipless pedals that will 

need to have the release mechanism lubed.  You 

should only lube this mechanism if you have this 

type of pedal.

5.  Everything into motion

Pedal around, shift your gears, and bounce your 

bike around.  If you hear anything squeak, there's

a moving part there are it should be lubed 

immediately.

6.  Wipe it all clean

Once you've lubed everything and wiped it all 

around, simply wipe it all back off.  Use a rag

to wipe away all the lube you used, including all

the lube off the chain.  Wiping it away will leave 

the lube in between the parts but clean it away 

from everywhere it isn't needed.  This will keep 

your bike from collecting dirt while you ride.