Bicycle Maintenance & Care – Keep Your Bike Running Forever

Learn how to properly maintain and care for your bicycle. Maintenance schedule, step-by-step instructions, wear part identification, and pro tips for maximum lifespan and riding enjoyment.

TL;DR – Key Takeaways:

Regular maintenance saves money: €50/year DIY vs. €150-300/year shop
Clean & oil chain every 200-300 km: Prevents wear, saves expensive repairs
Check brakes before every ride: Safety first – defective brakes = life-threatening
Know wear parts: Chain (2000-5000 km), brake pads (1000-3000 km), tires (3000-6000 km)
Follow maintenance intervals: Weekly visual check, monthly basic cleaning, annual inspection
Basic tool kit: Multitool, pump, chain oil, rag (approx. €50 investment)
Winter special: More maintenance needed due to salt, moisture, dirt
E-bikes: Battery care is crucial – charge regularly, don't fully discharge

The Ultimate Maintenance Schedule: What to Do When?

Interval

Tasks

Time Required

Cost (DIY)

Before Every Ride

Test brakes, check tire pressure, check lights

2 min.

€0

Weekly

Clean + oil chain, visual wear check

10 min.

€1-2

Every 200-300 km

Thorough cleaning, check shifting

30 min.

€3-5

Every 1000 km

Check brake pads, tighten spokes

45 min.

€5-15

Annually

Complete inspection, grease bearings, replace chain

2-3 hrs.

€30-80

Total time per year: approx. 15-20 hours (= 1.5 hrs./month)
Total cost DIY: €50-150 | Shop: €200-400
Savings: €150-250/year + longer lifespan

Step-by-Step: Clean & Oil Chain

The most important maintenance task! A clean, oiled chain extends the lifespan of chain, cassette, and chainrings by 300%.

Step 1

Remove Coarse Dirt

Wipe chain with rag/brush (2 min.)

Step 2

Apply Degreaser

Spray chain cleaner or bio degreaser (1 min.)

Step 3

Let Soak

Wait 2-3 minutes, rotate chain (2 min.)

Step 4

Rinse/Wipe Off

Wipe off degreaser with damp rag (2 min.)

Step 5

Let Dry

Wait 5 minutes or dry wipe (2 min.)

Step 6

Apply Oil

1 drop per chain link on inside (1 min.)

Step 7

Let Soak In

Rotate chain 50x, wipe off excess oil (2 min.)

Total: 10-12 minutes
Cost: €2 (degreaser + oil)
Savings: €100 (prevents premature wear)

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Warning: Definitely Avoid These Mistakes!

Mistake 1: Washing chain with pressure washer → Water penetrates bearings, flushes out grease → Rust + wear
Mistake 2: Applying too much oil → Excess oil attracts dirt → Chain gets dirty faster
Mistake 3: Using WD-40 as chain oil → WD-40 is penetrating oil, not lubricant – dissolves grease, doesn't lubricate
Mistake 4: Never checking brakes → Worn brake pads = no braking power → Accident

💡

Pro Tip: The 1-to-3 Rule for Chains

Rule of thumb: For 1 cassette you can use 3 chains – if you change them in time.

How it works:
1. Ride chain 1 until 0.75% stretch (approx. 3000 km)
2. Install chain 2 → Cassette is preserved
3. Install chain 3 → Cassette is preserved
4. Then: Replace all 3 chains + cassette

Cost comparison:
Without rotation: 3 chains (€60) + 3 cassettes (€150) = €210
With rotation: 3 chains (€60) + 1 cassette (€50) = €110
Savings: €100

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do I need to oil my chain?

Every 200-300 km or every 2 weeks with daily use. After rain: immediately! A dry chain wears 10x faster.

Can I wash my bike with a garden hose?

Yes, but not with high pressure! Gentle water stream is ok. High pressure pushes water into bearings → rust. Better: bucket + sponge.

How long does a bicycle chain last?

2,000-5,000 km, depending on care. With regular cleaning + oiling: up to 5,000 km. Without care: only 1,500 km. Tip: Buy a chain wear indicator (€10) – then you know exactly when replacement is needed.

What is the most common maintenance mistake?

Not cleaning/oiling the chain! 70% of all cyclists neglect this – and then pay 5x more for cassette + chainrings.

A Well-Maintained Bike = Your Best Friend for Years!

You now have all the maintenance knowledge. Start today with the 5-minute quick check (brakes, tires, lights). This week: Clean + oil chain (10 min.). This month: Buy basic tools (€40). In 3 months: Do first inspection yourself!