Bicycling trails

[Shorthanded67 0]

A few days ago I went out and bought myself a bike. Just a beginner's 21-speed mountain bike, nothing fancy. Basically just using it for fitness and fun. I haven't been on a bike since I was 13 or 14 (I'm almost 28). I took it down to the trail (the Katy Trail for those familiar with the Midwest) and went for a nice ride on Labor Day. I did about 12-15 miles and it felt great. A little bit of sore-ass for that first mile or two but overall no pain. If I had ran that same distance, but knees would be killing me. At least I know I have something to stay in shape with when hockey says goodbye.

Any tips on the maintenance on a bike? I won't attempt to take it apart. I could probably change that front tire if there was a gun to my head but that's about it. How often should it be cleaned, lubed, etc.... I'm new to this but would love to learn more about the maintenance and care.

Also I'm coming from an old BMX style bike 15 years ago. All of this gear-shifting is new to me. I've familarized myself with the 7 right (rear) gears but I have 3 left (front) gears that I am clueless on. I just kept the left gear on 2. :) Any help, hints, suggestions, stories are greatly appreciated.

[Squirrel 0]

I've familarized myself with the 7 right (rear) gears but I have 3 left (front) gears that I am clueless on.  I just kept the left gear on 2. :)

To know what gear your on multiply the right(rear) and they left(front) together. All the front gear is, is just a gear attached to the crank that moves the chains up and down depending on what gear you want to. basically its the same as the rear gears. B)

what kind of bike did you get btw?

[areed89 3]

When you're cleaning the mud and crap off the thing don't spray high pressure hose water onto the wheel or crank bearings. That's bad ju-ju for sure. Just check your tires, your break cables, and your front and rear derailleurs to make sure they are in working order. Do your best to keep sand and gunk out of your chain, crankset, and cassette too. Sand will jack up the "teeth" after awhile and that's no fun either. If you take proper care it should last awhile. That is unless you bought it at walmart or something like that, then you're just screwed anyway :)

Also as for the gear, keep the chain in the middle of the big set. If you leave it in the biggest one "granny" you'll get dogged by the trail snobs. It makes things easier anyway to just leave it there and only change where the chain is on the rear cassette.

[Shorthanded67 0]

what kind of bike did you get btw?

Its the Mongoose "Exile". Also known as the Sports Authority Labor Day Special: regular price $299.99, on sale for $149.99. :P

Thanks to both guys so far for the tips.

[tomfu 0]

This guy's site has boatloads of information on maintenance and repair.

How often to clean a bike? Any time there is a significant buildup of gunk is probably often enough. Soapy water and a sponge is all you really need; brushes are a pretty helpful too. Wash it from top down, rinse gently, and as mentioned above, avoid using a hose if at all possible.

Get any accumulated crap out of your cogs and chainrings (old toothbrushes work well here), dry, and then apply chain lube.

Keeping your chain clean & oiled is one of the keys to cycling happiness. Check for buildup of dust & dirt after you ride, and if it looks dirty, clean it and oil it. My rule of thumb was every 2 or 3 rides; if you ride in harsh conditions (mud, water, ice, dust, dirt, small trees caught in chain), you'll have to lube it more often.

[hip check 0]

Like has been said before - a well lubed bike is a happy bike. Cables and chain both benefit from being clean and well lubed. Don't soak them in the stuff as that will attract dirt, just enough to get them moving freely.

Check tire pressures and make sure brake pads are properly aligned, bolts are all snug, etc. Sometimes the guys assembling them are in a bit of a hurry. Make sure the seat is proper height and angled correctly or you can do damage 'in the lowlands'.

[tomfu 0]

All of this gear-shifting is new to me.  I've familarized myself with the 7 right (rear) gears but I have 3 left (front) gears that I am clueless on.  I just kept the left gear on 2. :)  Any help, hints, suggestions, stories are greatly appreciated.

You seem to have shifting pretty much down. For most cross-country trail riding, you'll probably use the middle chain ring (#2). The smallest ring ("granny gear") is useful for getting up hills. The largest ring (no cool nickname) is handy for cruising at maximum speed.

One thing about the front gears -- it's harder to switch them when the chain is under pressure. If you're in the middle of climbing a steep hill and realize you want to use the granny gear, it's quite likely that the chain won't budge for you, and you'll have to either dismount or topple over (much to the amusement of your pals :-).

[Fonya 0]

I do alot of mountain biking in the summer. Just a tip, get tools! My dads chain broke and we didnt have any but luckily we found a guy who did. You dont want to walk a couple miles to wear you want to be.