
Servicing your bearings periodically will extend their life. These use a continuous liner that seals the inner cable completely from the elements. If you often ride in foul conditions and your bike has external cable routing, consider fully sealed cables. If you ride frequently in all weather types, consider replacing it once a year. It’s also a wise idea to replace the inner cable regularly to maintain optimum shifting performance.

If there is any fraying to the inner, or kinks or tears to the outer though, replacement is the only option.Īlthough a greater initial investment, we’d recommend upgrading to higher-quality cables because they tend to last longer, and feel slicker and smoother in operation. Then, shift through the gears to encourage the lube up the housing. Unless the manufacturer says otherwise, it’s a good idea to put a drop of dry lube on them from time to time, where the inner is exposed at the derailleur or brake caliper. The condition of your bike’s gear and brake cables is critical for optimal performance. We’d recommend fully sealed cables if your bike has external routing. This is because it’s the furthest point away from the brake caliper. We’d recommend either covering the caliper and rotor or spraying degreaser on the chain on the underside of the driveside chainstay by the chainring. It’s an easy mistake to make and is costly because you have to replace them. If you get any oily contaminant on them, the brakes will squeal and their performance will be diminished. You’ll also want to prevent contaminating disc brake pads when cleaning your bike. On the note of rim brake wheels, we’d recommend regularly removing the wheel and thoroughly cleaning the braking surface and picking any dirt or debris from the brake pads that can get lodged there and further decrease the lifespan of your wheels. If you’re running rim brakes, it will also lead to less effective braking. If you let them get down to the bare metal, you can prematurely wear out disc brake rotors or the wheel’s braking surface. It’s worth keeping an eye on the remaining pad material. Much in the same vein as a chain, brake pads will also wear down through use. Check your brake padsĭon’t let your pads get like these…. It’s much cheaper to replace a chain than it is to replace all three. If you let the chain stretch further, it will then begin to wear out the cassette and chainrings. Chains 10-speed and fewer can be replaced at 0.75 per cent.

If you’re running an 11, 12 or 13-speed chain, it’s best to replace it when it reads at 0.5 per cent on a chain checker. It’s worth investing in a chain checker and regularly checking the chain’s wear. You’ll also decrease the rate of chain wear.

Make sure you apply a suitable chain lube for the weather conditions – dry lube in the winter, for example, will wash off instantly. A specific chain degreaser and chain lubricant will ensure optimal results. Regularly cleaning your chain is one of way of doing this so your drivetrain runs smoothly. There are several ways you can extend its life, and in doing so, the lifetime of other components on your bike. Your chain is a critical component on your bike. Don’t let your chain get this dirty, it will just wear out your other drivetrain components.
