Relationship counsellors have known it for a long time: a lack of support with housework can not only lead to arguments, but the asymmetrical division of labour can also be a real relationship killer. And that's exactly how it is with mountain biking! Your bike will really resent it if you constantly neglect it when it comes to cleaning it.

More often is better

It's perfectly fine to go through the radical cleaning exercise once a year. But it is much more efficient to do a small clean regularly. After a dusty trail ride, don't put the bike in the cellar, but rub the frame, wheels, suspension and drivetrain clean with a cloth beforehand and, if necessary, lubricate the chain a little - I promise, it works wonders.

Once the bike is really clean, take a look at the wearing parts: Is the chain stretched? A wear gauge can help here, showing how much longer the chain is than in its original condition. If you replace your chain regularly, you will get better power transmission and shifting precision in return. The costs are also lower than if it only works to replace the chain, cassette and chainring when the drivetrain is fully worn.

It is very important to change the brake pads before the pad compound has completely worn off the backing plate. Otherwise, only the metal of the backing plate will rub against the metal of the brake disk and the so-called slave piston of the brake can overheat and be knocked out. The disc is also subject to wear; for example, when the material thickness of 1.5 millimetres is reached at Shimano, a new disc is needed at the latest.

Good for your wallet - and the environment

The suspension elements have the hardest life on a mountain bike. If you really want to breathe new life into your bike, a fork and shock service is a good idea. But here too, cleaning is pure gold when it comes to suspension elements: dust, sand and dirt should be carefully wiped away regularly between the stanchion and lower tube.

Cleaning the bike regularly and changing the chain and pads in good time not only reduces costs and increases safety. This care and maintenance prevents consequential damage and also conserves resources along the way. Speaking of the environment: today, there are numerous biodegradable and environmentally friendly cleaning agents and lubricants that are also convincing in practice.

Self-efficacy is the trump card

Not to forget this aspect: everyone can clean. There is no need to bleed the brakes or replace a press-fit bottom bracket. Cleaning does not require any special tools or knowledge. The chances of a successful cleaning operation are almost 100 percent. A clean bike is not only good for your bike, but also for your ego. Nowhere else can you see success as quickly as when you clean your bike with an old toothbrush and a discarded T-shirt.