How to Improve Performance on My Mountain Bicycle

mountain bike downhill image by Maxim Petrichuk from Fotolia.com

Poor performance on a bicycle often can be attributed to simple neglect. Mountain bikes in particular receive more than their share of abuse and should be maintained vigilantly. An easy, relatively cheap way to reverse this condition, and dramatically improve bike performance, is to give your bike a traditional tune-up. Depending on its age and condition, the tune-up might include replacing the brake and shifter cables.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Bike chain lube
Rag
Degreaser
Tire pump
New brake and shifter cables (as needed)

Step 1

Inflate your tires. Inflated correctly, a tire rolls quickly and smoothly, increasing speed and maneuverability. Check the side of your tire for its recommended PSI. If your pump does not have a tire pressure gauge, purchase a separate gauge and check your tire pressure before every ride. Re-fill the tire when necessary.

Step 2

Clean and lubricate your chain. Soak a rag with degreaser, and wipe down the chain thoroughly, removing as much dirt and grime as possible. Afterward, allow the chain to dry for several hours. Once dry, apply a chain lubricant to each of the links and wipe free any excess. A properly oiled chain will run more smoothly and offer improved shifting performance.

Step 3

Tighten brake and shifter cables. If your cables are frayed or more than a year old, replace them. Tighten existing shifter cables by turning their adjuster barrels, located where the cable enters the shifter body. Tighten brake cables by also turning their adjuster barrels, located where the brake cables enters the brake. Properly tightened, shifter and brake cables will make for crisper shifting and more effective braking.

Step 4

Clean your wheels and brake pads. Wheels pick up dirt from the road, and this dirt in turns clings to both the wheels and the brake pads. The result? Sluggish, ineffective braking. A rag dipped in rubbing alcohol is an excellent way to clean both your wheels (rims and spokes) and brake pads. The alcohol will not leave any discernible residue.

Step 5

Lubricate each derailleur. Your mountain bike will have two derailleurs, one over the front chain rings and another beside the rear sprockets. The derailleur is partly responsible for helping shift your bike's gears. A well-oiled derailleur will respond to shifts more quickly and efficiently, leading to improved shifting performance. Use a Teflon-based oil to lubricate the pivot points on both derailleurs.

Resources

"ParkTool.com: Repair Help"

Article Written By Matthew Ferguson

Matthew Ferguson is a writer living in Savannah, Ga. He has been writing for over 10 years and his work has appeared on various online publications. A collection of his short stories was published in spring 2010. He is a graduate of Appalachian State University.

Editor's Pick

Backcountry Camping Tips

You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
More Backcountry Camping...
Popular Article

Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
More Beach Camping...
Featured Video

Common Sense Hiking Tips

The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
More Camping Basics...