Mountain Bike
There are certain types of breakdowns that are almost inevitable when we go out with our mtb, they are those that are caused by the terrain itself, falls, etc. But there are other types of breakdowns that can be avoided with a simple periodic maintenance of our mountain bike. It is enough to check our mtb at least once a week - it will depend on the use we make of it - to avoid breakdowns that could be impossible to fix on the road.
What you should keep in mind before an XCM or stage test, according to Shimano
We are going to start with a video that Shimano has published and in which they explain some key points that you must take into account before an XCM or stage mountain bike test.
Steps for a perfect set-up of our mountain bike
Here we will give you a small guide so that your mtb has a set-up worthy of the best workshop. If we always perform the review in the same order, it will be easier for you not to forget any of these steps. To carry out the entire revision we will only need a multitool and, although it is not necessary, it is much more comfortable if we do it with our bike mounted on a stand. If the bike is carbon or has carbon parts , it is highly recommended that all adjustments are made with a torque wrench.
Taller MTBUCI Mountain Bike World Cup - Nové Město na Morav? / CZE /
1 power and direction
The first step is to check that the stem bolts, both those that adjust the handlebar and the headset, are tight and the steering is straight. If there are any loose, tighten until they all have the same pressure. Watch out for the carbon handlebars.
2.Controls and brakes on the handlebar
We will check that all the controls that are attached to the handlebar are firm and do not rotate on it - changes, brakes, remote suspension controls, etc.-. In addition, we must prevent dirt from accumulating in them, as it can cause more than one failure. In the same way, we will check that the travel of the brake lever is correct.
The front suspension arms must be clean and free of leaks. Clean them and force the suspension a couple of times to make sure there are no leaks. Also check that the suspension is still properly adjusted according to your weight.
4.Brake discs and calipers
Perhaps this is the point where you should pay the most attention, since your safety on the bike depends on it. Make sure the calipers are secure, the disc bolts are tight and that the entire assembly is clean. If you still have pads left and your bike doesn't brake well, you may have dirty pads. Here we explain how to clean them .
5.Rear suspension
If your bike is a double suspension bike, you will have to check that the rear suspension bolts are properly tightened -do not go overboard when tightening, these bolts are usually delicate- and that, as in the front, it does not leak and is clean. If you think you have to modify the travel of this suspension, now is the time.
If you are one of those who have not yet made the move to the single chainring , you will have to check that the front derailleur is well aligned and that it is clean of accumulated dirt or dirt, and mixed with the grease itself. In addition, it is important that you see if there are areas with friction and find out why they occur. Here you will also have to check that the chainrings are properly adjusted and that their teeth are not worn. That would cause the continuous jump of the chain.
7.Rear of transmission
We will finish this review with another of the most delicate areas, the rear derailleur. Pay attention that the whole assembly is clean, well greased and check that the change stops are correct. Make sure that it is well adjusted to the bike and that looking from behind, the two pulleys of the change and the meshed pinion, are in a straight line. If not, check that the temple or toe is not bent. Finally and as we did with the chainrings, we will have to make sure that the cassette teeth are in good condition - if they are sharp or pointed it is time to change them.
Essential tools for the maintenance of your bicycle
Although you can do the maintenance of your bicycle only with a multi-tool, here we leave you a list with the tools that are essential in the workshop of any mechanical hobbyist.
1.Foot pump with pressure gauge
It is normal to have one or more hand pumps, which are what we usually carry during outings. But having a foot pump that allows us to know the pressure we have on the wheels of our bikes is almost essential.
pressure gauge pump
2.Set allen keys and torx keys
The set of allen keys will be one of the tools that we use the most, so we recommend that you get a good quality set, and if they have a better handle than better.
Allen wrenches
If we have hydraulic disc brakes on our bike, then it is also advisable to have a set of Torx 10-30 keys.
3.Screwdriver with bits
The quality of this type of screwdriver was not very good before, and it was better to have a separate set of screwdrivers. But today there are very good games that will save you space and money.
screwdriver with bits
If your bike is made of carbon, perhaps this tool is the most important and essential. In fact, it is highly recommended to get one before fully tightening any screw.
torque wrench
5.Set of flat keys and an English
It is another of the games that should not be missing in the box of a good "handyman". The spanner will help us tighten or unscrew nuts of the same size without having to resort to two identical flat keys.
wrenches
6.Tools for removing chain, chainrings, connecting rods and sprockets
For some adjustments and changes in the transmission of our bike we will need specific tools such as the classic chain cutter, a chain sprocket extractor, a core key or a special key to extract the chainring.
crank puller
7.Wrench for radios
If we have to make any changes or adjustments to the spokes of our wheels we will need to have a spoke wrench. It is recommended that you also have a few spare radios with their nipples in your box.
spoke wrench
8 grease and degreaser
Sometimes we need to clean a component thoroughly, and after each cleaning and repair that we do on our bike it is advisable to lubricate it. So these two are also a must.
Damoff Wet Lube
9. Pliers
Flat nose pliers are that tool that a priori you don't know when you are going to need it on your bike but then you use it in every fix you make. They are very useful to hold any item firmly and will also serve you to cut.
10. Various
There are certain things that are beginning to occupy an essential place in your suitcase and that you only know that you need them when you have been fixing your bike yourself for a while. Among them we can highlight rags to clean the grease, sandpaper of different grades, flanges - how many things a couple of flanges have solved -, hammer, electrician's scissors, cutter, etc.