How To Make Your Road Bike Last Longer - Bike Maintenance Tips

[@BoxCarBoy12]

I'm stuck with a clamp-style stand, so I get around that by keeping a cheap aluminum post around. I take my fancy carbon post out and insert the cheap one whenever I want to clamp my bike in my stand to work on it.

[@Niidea1986]

+Soundtallica in Chains For me, an aluminum bike is quite expensive and my steel tank is the cheap one, lol...third world problems.

[@kerryblueher3147]

JUST bought a new CF bike. My previous "good" bike is 30 years old (my standby bike is 41 years old), so I know about making a road bike last! I have never washed by bike(s)! My "good" bike has Dupont Imron paint, which would make todays green weinies gast if they knew about it. BUT it's is durable, not like today's milk toast paint. Lubrication: I have replace the bearings several times, the last time (2 years ago) with ceramic hybrids, oh, and Phil Wood grease. Torque wrench: what a hoot in the old days. Fact is wrenches of a given size are engineered to provide the proper torque with an "average" pull (what ever that is). I do us torque wrenches on my CF bike. I get mega miles out of my chains.... which I use with a personally mixed formula (canning wax, PTFE, Talc & synthetic gear lube). In 30 years, 4 chains, and many thousands of miles I've only replace my chain rings twice and rear cassette NEVER! But this is a tale of a dinosaur, an endangered feces. Enjoy your world of endless obsolesce and marketing replacement.

[@taufikabidin412]

Kerry Blueher good point,I never wash my bike. Just a dry lap of rain pours down. Just clean the chain and lube it ( and also the two small wheels on the rear derailleur) . I got around 5000 km and my chain hasn't gone past the 0.75 on tool checker. Meanwhile, I bought a used bike from a bike mechanic at bicyclesonline, who said he had rode 30 km, and the chain is has gone past the 0.75.

[@woozertoo]

Mock Matt's inability to stay upright with wooden obstacles strewn in his path all you like, but he took the brunt of that fall to spare his carbon bike like a champ.

[@fabian8813]

This is just superb, I have been researching "learn bicycle parts" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Ever heard of - Viyackson Yenacob Review - (do a google search ) ? Ive heard some amazing things about it and my friend got great results with it.

[@sophiashcherbakova2867]

Many thanks, been searching for "bicycles video" for a while now, and I think this has helped. You ever tried - Viyackson Yenacob Review - (do a search on google ) ? Ive heard some decent things about it and my partner got excellent results with it.

[@mercnation1442]

Many thanks, been searching for "bicycles video" for a while now, and I think this has helped. You ever tried - Viyackson Yenacob Review - (do a search on google ) ? Ive heard some decent things about it and my partner got excellent results with it.

[@zeekf.3839]

Oh, I didn't know subscribing to GCN was free, thank goodness, now I will never miss another maintenance Monday! Thanks Daniel!

[@clintmarshall]

i would love to see a video of your bike workshop area. how you organised things and what you feel is the most important things to have in it. I'm just about to start setting my own up in my house and would love some ideas.

[@andrewmurphy64]

+Clint Marshall they already made one

[@andrewmurphy64]

Si at 5:00 is me everyday, even when I haven't ridden

[@TimothyBates]

Would love some product comparison videos on replacement brake pads and tires. These are the the two things we mostly change, and there's not a lot of great info out there. PS: tx 4 all the great shows!

[@AlexandarHullRichter]

Getting a good set of mud guards can also help to keep a bike clean, especially on wet roads.

[@mikes1984]

Is there a full clip of the Matt crash including the aftermath?

[@JWKEL88]

Hi, anyone can advice how often to clean the bike if in busy lifestyle? What lubrication to use for wet/ dry condition? Thank you

[@billyabernathy448]

I wonder how much "Muc-Off" Dan has to use on his hair to keep it clean?

[@SlowBoyAthlete]

Hey, Real Dan Lloyd is back on Maintenance Mondays! Happy Easter GCN!

[@ceiklitrading2342]

Useful bike maintenance tips

[@MrIvanPe]

I love that second seat post clamp. So good for travelling. What is it called?

[@philb8311]

Any ideas what brand the stand is in the bath at 1:08 or is a home made job?

[@gcn]

+Phil B they're all homemade submissions/hacks from GCN viewers.

[@MA-hw5xh]

Can you make a video showing that workshop? It looks very cool. Nice work!

[@laurencehunt8529]

Any tips on how to keep a matt black frame clean without causing white like markings (like a misty water mark)?

[@ShermanSitter]

good question. a lot of newer bicycles seem to use cheaper paint that does this. its strange the things they cut corners on.

[@Potanak]

"try to avoid crashing" - but i want to!!! :(

[@AlexandarHullRichter]

I've found spray wax for cars works well for cleaning the bike. It doesn't make a mess, and the bike is nice and shiny after. It works best if the bike is relatively clean before hand, like if I clean the bike every day I ride it. If my bike is really dirty, I'll wipe it down with a wet microfiber, then use the spray wax.

[@Hanpotatoneus]

Does the temperature of the room where you keep the carbon fibre bike matter?

[@psilk34]

I have a steel bike with paint nicks exposing the metal. What process should I follow for cleaning?

[@deloryharris3409]

Nice bike

[@jamesa.5052]

I have a problem with front brake grinding on the brake pads, I try card method to get it to work, but I still have the disk grinding on the brake pads. Can you please give me some advice!

[@jerktimusprime]

Cracking job on the pantomime, Dan! Nobody acts like they've just had their bike stolen like you!😜

[@bernardibrahim]

Can you guys make some sort of bike detailing video? Preferably including cleaning gumwall tires. Just to have something to do in winters

[@josephcaisley560]

could you make a video explaining how to bend a hanger back to alignment or replacement!!??? thanks

[@Toastybear1]

can you do a video on servicing your front wheel hub please? (and back wheel too i suppose ;) )

[@ShermanSitter]

I almost did a video on this...I just regreased a front and rear wheel hub on a spare wheel set 2 days ago! the only tough part is adjusting the cones. you have to either get lucky on the first try or fiddle with them until there is no slop when bolted in the frame AND no grinding. a tricky balance.

[@MarcusChingYong]

What is that clip on the bike that identifies the preferred saddle height called?

[@mfiola13]

+Marcus Ching I noticed that too and would like one.

[@ianbarton1990]

I would guess just a normal zip tie

[@evinstafford9216]

I know Dan isn't using this particular one here, but Fizik make them - can buy from Wiggle

[@rc_23]

was watching this on how to clean my high end bike and you made feel good i bought a non-carbon bike, it sounds like you pay alot for a more fragile bike frame lol

[@LosihoTTT]

4:48 - did Matt really crash, or is that more great GCN acting ?

[@gcn]

+LosihoTTT that's real

[@rejnokarl2514]

+Global Cycling Network from what gcn video is the crash 4:48 originally?

[@kaveman_4242]

+Rejnö Karl Yes i'd like to know as well. I hope he goes into detail why matt wiped out like that.

[@HelpDeskPersonaJOKER]

Thank you.

[@methunshow]

Your chain ring leaves a tub ring...."yo dude when's the last time you washed?" Lol

[@TheWaxChainFanClub]

Cheers Dan.

[@horatioholloway5425]

great video, thanks!!

[@molliekintyre5468]

Make my bikes last longer..? The newest of the eight bikes in my shed dates from 1978, the oldest from '69. All still looking bright and shiny, but I might treat myself to a new one when they wear out - if I live that long...

[@chrisbowman2030]

I worked in a bike shop and have seen a lot of damaged carbon bikes and components. One guy's race bike just fell on the floor from leaning on the wall. The rotating handlebar crashed the top tube. I avoid carbon parts wherever I can, especially on my gravel and MTB bike.

[@irvinamba6251]

Does using torque wrench for alloy frame advisable also? TIA.

[@gcn]

+irvin amba we'd recommend using them wherever the bolts/components have suggested torque ratings.

[@A100Hammond]

So I have a question regarding preserving the paint on a bicycle. Where I commute I am required to have a bicycle permit sticker, but these stickers are very messy to remove and I am fearful it will harm my new paint. Are there any tips you guys have for protecting paint under decals and making parking decals easy to remove?

[@NJRangerGeorge]

Goo gone is great for removing stickiness from stickers

[@ilikelampshades6]

Is washing up liquid ok in the water? Ive heard it has salt in it and that will degrade parts

[@bionda470]

I remember similar video from si where he showed how to protect the bike from scratches with helicopter tape ans other bike maintenance tips.....can you link it?

[@EmpyreanLightASMR]

What's helicopter tape, and does it fly? (I use electrical tape to protect the paint job from cables.)

[@TheDarKris]

I am so glad the only carbon components on my bike are the fork blades. Much less hassle.

[@rustygramm7104]

Keep it clean, keep it lubed. True to most of life actually.

[@Humancbr]

Any recommendations on what to use to cushion the clamp on a work stand?

[@casualjoe2]

+T Wat old tyre

[@Coxy002605]

+T Wat Innertube.

[@dhl0014]

Dan, what is that ring on your seat post that I assume marks your seat height? I have been looking for something exactly like that

[@twentyclicks]

+Dan Lichtenberger Perhaps just a clamp from a reflector or an old light

[@tratth1672]

you guyss have soo many awesome bikess. let me get one haha

[@samuelmumby7982]

Anyone got tips for cleaning brake hoods? I got a nice second hand bike with good kit but the brake hoods have human slime all up in them. The outside is fine but underneath is just grizzly.

[@consolehacker54]

Steel is real! Solves all of those pesky crushing and breaking problems carbon has ;) Ride it, break it, weld it, repeat

[@Jason-ty6ds]

Would you recommend adding a stand to my road bike?

[@AUTUMN-DARK]

My bicycle cost £110 and that's before lights and accessories so I intend to get a life time out of it if I can but it's steel not carbon so need to keep it as rust free as possible.

[@CharlieBennici]

I like how I break all of the rules except storing it indoors.

[@benten1443]

+Charlie Bennici nice job bro i hope your bike lasts very long...;)

[@CharlieBennici]

+Ben Ten It is from the 7o's

[@benten1443]

Charlie Bennici what is 7o's?

[@CharlieBennici]

70's

[@jamesheath4845]

+Charlie Bennici all the more reason to treasure it. once it's gone, it's gone. and once steel is rusty, it's rusty

[@LvcianoN]

anyone has a link to that video of Matt falling at 4:50? I'd like to put it on my favorites. hahaha.

[@TheMusesOrg]

+Luciano Narno How on Earth did it happen, that's what I'd like to know!? Poor Matt >_

[@LvcianoN]

TheMusesOrg Seems like a pot hole fall

[@joelguzman1111]

+TheMusesOrg 'Twas a bloody log!

[@MiniFun92]

im wondering what sun does to carbon?

[@Puils]

How often a week should i go riding? I pretty much have time for it everyday, and usually i go for 30-50km I'm pretty new at the sport. :)

[@Justin-tu4ve]

+Daniel Why not every day?

[@Puils]

Justin Drinkwater Doesn't muscles have to rest so they can rebuild?

[@Justin-tu4ve]

As long as your not riding too hard you should be fine. I ride practically every day, but if my muscles are sore I may take a break. Just make sure to stay hydrated.

[@Puils]

Justin Drinkwater Alright, thanks :)

[@Justin-tu4ve]

+Daniel Happy to help. I love to see people out on their bikes having a good time, but its not common enough here in Canada.

[@skynapao9752]

Which is better: Sram or Shimano (for road bike)

[@cuttski]

Anyone know the name of the pro bike stand please and thank you.

[@Rashedndc10]

www.parktool.com/product/home-mechanic-repair-stand-pcs-10

[@danial_s]

I invest in this video.

[@juanaimbach7179]

thanks

[@ju1cycrackfa1ry]

How do you know when to change your chain? I'm very good about keeping my bike clean so I expect mine to last for a while, but how can I tell? #torqueback

[@gcn]

+Noel Collado try a chain measuring tool - your LBS will have one.

[@russstarke6004]

Don't wreck. Is this how Matt is constantly riding new bikes? Klutz or devious genius?

[@HouseCuber15]

I have a long comment about a concern I have with myself. I have been riding a lot lately (for me at least) and feel like i am improving, but I haven't lost any weight. I do sit on my pc a bit more than i should but i feel like i have been eating a little better and just improving just about everything i do concerning cycling and eating. I am just wondering if their is something I am doing wrong, i think i need to cut down time on my computer but idk what i would do in the spare time. Any ideas ? Thanks :)

[@jonbuckley7406]

When you say,"...riding. ..", how much do you mean? Time per ride, rides per week, pace? I dropped from about 220 to 195 over about a year, but have stalled at 195, which is no big deal. Riding 4 to 8 hours per week with consistency.

[@HouseCuber15]

+Jon Buckley I try to ride a little more than an hour 3-4 times a week then longer rides on the week end usually taking Friday off. Average speed of 16mph.

[@jonbuckley7406]

+House Cuber15 I'd say that's pretty good. For how long? Weeks, months. ..? Do you track using Ridewithgps, or mapmyride, or strava?

[@HouseCuber15]

I do not use any of those sites i just ride around back roads and in town a bit. I have been cycling for about 2 1/2 - 3 months I am still pretty new at it ;)

[@jonbuckley7406]

Consistency is key, especially if you're trying to drop some weight and get in shape. That's where I was about a year ago. I started using Ride With GPS and weighing in once a week and also tracking that. If you'd like any other suggestions feel free to get in touch. GCN is a great start.

[@nabeelkubba1305]

Matt randomly crashing 😂

[@carlosgomezzzzzzz]

I leave it all to the professionals, I take my bike to the shop every two weeks and after every wet/muddy ride

[@anonymous20851]

Your are just Awesome

[@alsaiari_1]

شكرا على الترجمة

[@andy199121]

Cogs are found in clocks and windmills, sprockets are found on bikes!

[@AlexandarHullRichter]

Tell us to use fiber grip, and then you put grease on your seatpost? I see how it is...

[@Rashedndc10]

Can u please send me one of the wheels hanging on the wall??

[@h9ooo]

Ohh looowl I thought I'm the only one putting her bike into the bathtub ;D I feel normal again xD

[@coachchris3987]

so if i dont like someone i could just crush his carbon frame with a firm grip?

[@jerryyoung6494]

How should I "clamp" a bike with a seat mast? I'm clamping carbon no mater what

[@entrenousfan8017]

to the one who added the arabic subtitles , thank you.

[@FroopPapaya]

I like this bike. What's it called?

[@karvinsunny4199]

I thought Dan is going to force Si to clean his bike

[@66rhcp]

An addition to not crashing- get insurance!!

[@jeffk464]

I can't say I've ever worn out any bike components except tires and that includes much more abused mountain bikes.

[@williamkeys5701]

+Jeff K I had my primary road bike for 10 years before it got stolen. I went through 4 chains, two sets of chainwheels and cassettes, and one rear hub in that time. If you ride it enough, it will wear out.

[@jeffk464]

+William Keys Thats pretty impressive. I probably average 3-6 hours a week on a bike for reference.

[@williamkeys5701]

I am a bit anal about maintenance. I will check the chain for growth every 1000 miles or so and replace it as soon as it reaches the wear limit. Cogs get replaced with every other chain. While you may not notice the wear, I promise that you will notice how much better everything works once you replace all of the wear components in the drivetrain. As for the rear hub, it was a Mavic Aksium hub and they aren't the most robust. I had it rebuilt once after a few years and when it started going out the second time I decided to replace it with a higher quality unit.

[@zygmuntthecacaokakistocrat6589]

Chains don't stretch. Chains should be replaced with cassettes, or at most twice per cassette.

[@EmpyreanLightASMR]

Non-citrusy dishwasher soap is your degreasing friend :)

[@torresthemonster]

Since I live in a apartment, can I live it outside and put a plastic cover on top of it?

[@JustSomePerson8]

If it rains hard the moisture will avaperate off the concrete and collect inside the cover over your bike over time it will rust. I wouldn't recommend it especially the metal parts of your bike will accumulat more moisture on it like a glass full of ice because of condensation and such.

[@torresthemonster]

@@JustSomePerson8 Thanks for your response. When I was still living at the apartment at that time, I just brought my bike into my living room so I didn't have to worry about putting the cover every time it rained.

[@JustSomePerson8]

@@torresthemonster sounds like you got your own place. Nice 👌

[@maarten1332]

Sorry Dan, but you are telling us how to keep our bike's last longer to clean it. But your own bike could use some washing.

[@J-Post86]

Indeed

[@Hollow_one.]

Cleaning bike in bathtub is wild

[@JP05CPSN]

dude! i live for the dirty roads!

[@Dakita2010]

Used for exercising.

[@lewisdonovan145]

so dan i need to lube my metal to last longer ?

[@TheTomster94]

Tom should have presented this video to be honest...Or did he fail to last for 5 minutes and 27 seconds?

[@nobodysbusinessnowinnit3272]

After seeing Matt crashing so many times, it starts to hurt a little for all of us I think. Show him laughing instead of crashing from now on!

[@gcn]

+Tomas Pasvenskas he does both in equal measure. We'll try to find a happy medium.

[@nobodysbusinessnowinnit3272]

+Global Cycling Network Thanks GCN :D I hold Matt responsible for implementing the permanent fear of crashing with clipless pedals even before I got a pair of my own!

[@KurtMueller]

Try not to crash.... gee, thanks GCN.

[@RexFixx]

Idk but my normal bicycle has seen over 500k KMs for real

[@TravisRiver]

Good luck cleaning it in your tiny 5th floor walk-up rental closet in New York 🥺

[@scottcampbell4351]

The best way to make your bike last longer is to not let matt ride it because he might crash it or break the pedals

[@louisgreenleaf235]

What about wd40 on the chain is that bad now

[@8584zender]

+Louis Greenleaf WD40 is not a lube, it's a cleaner. The company does make some dedicated lube under the WD40 name, but the standard Home Depot stuff is not ideal. Protip on bike washing: Use a couple of cheap soft bristle paint brushes. They have nice long handles so you can get into nooks and crannies without skinning your knucles and hold soapy water real nicely. The bristles are soft and won't scratch paint.

[@jeffk464]

+Louis Greenleaf My favorite is still triflow. It does attract dirt a bit but in my experience its the best at holding off chain squeek.

[@liambarber9036]

+Jeff K if you clean and lube your bike chain as much as you should it won't ever squeak

[@MAGAIVER]

I'd guess that now that muc-off sponsors the show they won't be doing 5 minutes wd40 washes anymore. Wonder if Si still uses it off camera.

[@koko-lores]

+MAGAIVER Si replaced the content of all his muc-off bottles with WD40

[@RywokastDarkstar5000]

what in the hell happened at 4:49 why did he just randomly fall over

[@BRNOOB_]

:D

[@koko-lores]

How long do your regular-use bikes last?

[@gcn]

+koko lores the bikes will last for a long time. It's the consumables like the chain, tyres, cassette etc that needs replacing at regular intervals. This is dependent on the conditions that you ride. So, you'll need to replace every 6 weeks to 2 months in the winter.

[@koko-lores]

I noticed that, unfortunately ;) What I was interested in is the life time of parts that cannot be replaced. In other words, how often do you (have to) buy a new bike?

[@Liofa73]

Cleaning a white bike? Make sure the cloths and sponges are clean before you start... White nikes look cool, but they are a bugger to keep clean.

[@Liofa73]

Er... Bikes.

[@JesseReith]

So, again I cringed hearing the ring knocking on the carbon (2:50) Please stop this!

[@theylivewesee1674]

didn't have flat on the last 1000 km, on my last 60 km ride I had two fackkkkkkkkkkk

[@benten1443]

3rd !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@livibam]

cleaning in the bath isn't sensible.

[@dylankaulins8860]

C'mon Dan, you mentioned keeping your bike clean, but yours is absolutely filthy.

[@deezcuts3459]

even my wal mart bike?

[@EmpyreanLightASMR]

I bet that thing weighs a ton.

[@deezcuts3459]

sure does, its honestly a piece of shit. It broke twice but im trying to leave the bodybuilding lifestyle behind and get healthy instead of feeling sluggish. Its a start i guess lol

[@EmpyreanLightASMR]

Deez Cuts An old friend of mine brought his mtn bike from Target so we could ride around a bit. When I lifted his bike to put it in the car, I just burst out laughing, it was as heavy as he is.

[@ShermanSitter]

its sad how cheap bicycles went from lasting forever to lasting a year. I'm glad i've been around long enough to have new and old bicycles. the new ones are a bit more expendable.

[@KTM-d7d]

They've cleaned their bikes in their barf??