Cleaning your bikes chain is a vital part of bike maintenance, but by removing the chain and washing it you are creating a weak spot that can become very vulnerable. Chain cleaner’s that snap on to the bikes chain itself can be a very useful tool. They work by cleaning your chain with little brushes when you turn the pedals. Using one of these will help keep your chain strong because it doesn’t involve removing the chain. It’s also utterly important to remember to clean and lubricate the chain before each and every bicycle ride.

All mountain biking enthusiasts should follow a simple basic routine before and after each ride to insure the safety of the rider and to guarantee your bike stays in good health. First you should always clean off any mud, dirt, or debris from your mountain bike, including the tires. Check and make sure there are no loose nuts, bolts, or cables anywhere. Inflate both tires to desired pressure. Chain should be lubricated and cleaned. Check brakes by testing them and check allenheads for tightness. Rotate the tires to check for rubbing against the brakepads and last test the gears by giving them a quick shift. While mountain biking, you may want to carry with you a pump and a small patching kit, cause you never know when one of your tires will blow out. Having a first rate knowledge of your bicycle and its components and performing regular maintenance is essential. Keeping your bicycle and its parts clean and routinely safety checked can greatly improve the chances of not having accidents and vastly prolong the life span of your bikes tires, parts and accessories. Doing a thorough check will allow you to have the best possible biking experience.