Bicycle maintenance plays a crucial role in the longevity of individual parts, especially after servicing and rebuilding.
Over the past years, we have performed hundreds of rebuilds on different bicycle models (mountain bikes, road bikes, etc.) with various equipment, but the conclusion remains the same: all regular clients who take additional care of their parts significantly extend their lifespan. Simply washing the bike and equipment after a ride is not sufficient for proper maintenance. The choice of oils and lubricants also plays a significant role, as using various shampoos and degreasers can accelerate the deterioration of equipment, as these substances are designed to remove grease and will inevitably strip the bearings. Furthermore, it is well-known that certain shampoos can damage the paint in the long run and contribute to corrosion and the degradation of carbon and aluminum.
MSM Service recommends using a pressure washer to wash the bike. Why? Because a pressure washer allows us to use a much smaller percentage of water to "soak" the bike. Of course, it is not advisable to direct the jet directly at areas where small, delicate components such as bearings are located. Additionally, after washing, if possible, without using shampoo and degreasers (if you use MSMlube- you won't need degreasers and shampoo), it is necessary to dry the bike, preferably with air compressor. Mostly importantly, ride the bike for a minimum of 10-15 minutes to allow all the water to exit the bearings and equipment inside the bicycle.
Now, let's go back to the MSM rebuild, during which we use our own mixture of lubricants (from thin to very thick) specifically designed to facilitate the removal of water that has penetrated the bearings and allow a thin film of lubricant to disperse within the bearings again. This is the key to successful operation and, above all, maintenance.
Having observed various mechanics, we have noticed a significant lack of knowledge and excessive over-greasing of bearings, which is detrimental in the long run. Lubricants of the same index cannot be used inside and outside the bearings, as most people do. Lubricants available on the market (specifically in the cycling range) are all-purpose lubricants. However, with such lubrication, we end up trapping water and contaminants within the system, necessitating the replacement of bearings and equipment with each rebuild.
In recent years, our focus has been on improving bearing technology and performance to provide our clients with the highest possible speed and durability of components. For most of our bicycles (if we have been involved from the beginning), we have extended the lifespan of components by at least 50% compared to normal, resulting in significant cost savings!
In conclusion, the symbiotic relationship and participation of the rider in equipment maintenance are crucial, and we will ensure a professional approach during our service!