By Cali
Cali is the co-owner of Alley Cat Cycles in Loring Park, apprentice at Peacock Groove, and Bolder Options Bike Mentorship Youth Program Repair Shop Leader. Please contact Cali if you are interested in volunteering at or learning more about Bolder Options: cali.jirsa@gmail.com
Winter Bike Maintenance & Cleaning
Supplies
Hand Lotion – so you’re skin doesn’t absorb the grease
Simple Green Spray –For chain and frame
Simple Green Foaming Cleanser – for chainrings, and tough grime
Phil Tenacious Oil – for pivot points on brakes and derailleurs
Chain Lube – On cleaned chain, drip on, & wipe off excess
Rags
Steel Wool – super gritty!
Sand paper – Also super gritty!!
Brushes
Anti-Seize – for pedals, seat post, stem
Adjustable wrench
Multi-Tool
Super Soap – Most awesome hand cleaner known to woman-kind
#1 Repair it!
Make sure that your bike is safe for winter – last thing you want is a break down in blizzard. Do it yourself or bring it into a shop for a safety check…. A full tune-up is not always necessary.
No Crack! – Wipe down Frame – Check for cracks and other damage, prevent rust.
Prep It –Anti-seize Stem, Seat Post, Accessory Bolts, and Pedals (Don’t Forget – Non-Drive side is reverse threaded)
Lube It – Lubing all pivot points with Tenacious Oil or Chain Oil – Brakes, Derailleurs, Spoke Nipples
Flush It – Spray Chain with Simple Green, brush it off … Repeat. Then lubricate and wipe excess lube off of chain
Brake! – Clean Rims with Steel Wool. Clean Pads with sandpaper. Get the metal bits out or replace them.
Be Proud! – Winter riding is tough… so are you! Have fun out there!!