Bike maintenance guide: clean, degrease and lubricate
A clean, well-lubricated bike shifts smoothly, runs quietly and wears its parts more slowly. The routine is simple and needs only a few products: a cleaner, a degreaser, a chain lube and a brush or two.
A simple routine in four steps
Rinse off loose dirt, apply a bike cleaner, work it in with a soft brush or sponge and rinse. Avoid high-pressure water around bearings.
Chain, cassette and chainrings collect old oil and grit. A degreaser and a stiff brush or chain cleaner remove it; let everything dry afterwards.
Apply lube to each link on a clean, dry chain, turn the cranks, then wipe off the excess so it does not attract dirt.
Bearings, threads and contact points need the right grease or assembly paste. A frame polish suited to your finish, gloss or matte, completes the job.
Choosing a chain lube
- Wet conditions: wet lubes resist rain and last longer between applications, but attract more dirt.
- Dry conditions: dry and wax-based lubes keep the chain cleaner, but need to be applied more often.
- Everyday riding: choose for the weather you ride in most, and follow the application advice on the product page.
Brakes and suspension
Keep lubricants and polish away from brake discs and pads; use a dedicated brake cleaner instead. Hydraulic brakes use either mineral oil or DOT fluid depending on the system: always use the fluid specified by the brake manufacturer and never mix the two. Suspension forks have their own care products.
Juice Lubes
Juice Lubes is a British maintenance brand whose range covers cleaners, degreasers, chain lubes, greases, brushes and brake care. Explore the Juice Lubes range, or browse all degreasers and cleaners, lubricants and maintenance products.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I lube my chain?
It depends on the lube, the weather and how much you ride. Re-lube when the chain looks dry or starts to sound noisy, and always after riding in heavy rain.
Can I use one product for everything?
Cleaners, degreasers, lubes and greases each have a different job. Using the right one for each step protects your parts and your brakes.
Can you service my bike?
Yes. Our workshop in Meppel repairs and services city bikes, e-bikes and cargo bikes every day.
Prefer to leave it to us? Book your bike in at our workshop.
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