Bike Lubrication & Fluids

If gears are jumping, noisey or if the most often used sprockets are visibly worn and thinner than lesser used sprockets - then it is time to replace. When the cassette is worn and needs replacing, replace the chain too because the worn sprocket teeth will have worn the chain.

The tools needed to replace a cassette and chain are low cost and easy to use: Cassette lockring tool, chain whip and a chain tool.

Yes, make sure that disc rotors and pads do not come into contact with degreasers or oil. This contamination will cause the pads to 'glaze over' and lose most of their braking capability. The easiest way to avoid this is to cover up disc rotors when using a spray degreaser or oil on bike transmission. The best way to keep disc brakes working to their optimum is to keep rotors clean and pads free from dirt, grit and oily substances.

The chain and cassette need looking after to ensure a long service life.Use a degreaser to clean the grit and diirt from the chain and cassette. Once they are clean, a little chain lube will keep them running smoothly, shift the gears up and down the cassette a couple of times to ensure the chain and cassette have a even coating ready for your next ride.

If you ride your bike off-road a lot, chain and cassette cleanliness is extra important - gravel dust or mud can turn into a gloopy mess which speeds up the wearing process.

Yes and no. Most bikes use 'core tools' such as allen / hex keys, torx wrenchs, cable, cassette and chain tools. Some bikes vary depending on components fitted, variations include some bottom brackets, chainsets and hydraulic brake bleed tools. 

The easiest way to tell if your bike needs a new chain is by using a chain checker tool. As chains get worn, they get slightly longer, because the bushings get worn and chain becomes looser. Replacing a chain at the right time can result in getting more life from the cassette and other drivetrain components.

Multitools offer the most options in the most compact tool. Most multitools have all the hex / allen keys you might need as well as flat & cross screwdrivers as a minimum. Also remember tools for punctures such as tyre levers, tubes and inflation device.

If you need to get all the essential tools, a full tool kit such as the Merlin 20 or 31 piece kit will have the main tools you will need to keep your bike on the road.

Firstly, think about where you inflate your tyres. Do you need to inflate in the garage before your ride? Or out on the roads / trails, for emergency punctures? Floor pumps are best for keeping at home and offer the quickest and easiest way to inflate tyres to the right pressure. Mini pumps are best for taking on your ride, to use in the event of a puncture.

Tubeless pumps have an extra capacity tank which can release a large volume of air in one go. This helps seat tubeless tyres onto the rim.

Check which type of valve your pump needs to fit. Presta valves are thinner and have a screw closure at the end of the valve. Schrader valves are like car valves, fatter with a metal pin closure system. There are lots of pumps that can do both valves, if you need both types for different bikes.

Yes and no. Because the hydraulic brake is a closed system, once they are set up, they should not require much servicing at all. If you regularly use the brakes in filthy weather or in deep mud, braking could wear rotors prematurely because of the mud and grit on the pads grinding into the rotor.

Keep the bike clean! There are parts on your bike which will wear out through normal use (cassette, chain and brake pads), keep your bike clean and lubricated to maximize the lifespan. It is also easier to check the bike over when it is clean. If the bike is kept clean and lubricated it shouldn’t need much attention mechanically. Most routine maintenance jobs are pretty easy to do, see our blogs here, alternatively seek a reputable, skilled bicycle mechanic.