Cleanliness as the basis

It goes without saying that a bike should be looked after, and yet it is often neglected. For Black, cleaning is the basis of every successful ride: "A dirty bike never works 100 percent perfectly. Dust, mud and moisture get stuck in moving parts, impair performance and shorten the service life. I consider a good bike wash, brushes and a sponge to be a great investment for a long bike life!"

After every ride, it is therefore worth doing a quick check: a cloth is enough for light soiling, while brushes and sponges are used for heavier dirt. "Several brushes for different areas have proven their worth: Medium-hard ones for rims and tires, hard ones for the drivetrain, soft ones for the frame and a shaped hub brush from the automotive sector. A soft sponge is suitable for the paintwork. Low or medium pressure, for example from a garden hose, is sufficient for rinsing; the water is only used for soaking and rinsing, not for "shooting off" the dirt."

Wax instead of oil

The chain is a divisive issue. Black consistently relies on chain wax. "It attracts less dirt, reduces friction and significantly extends the service life of the drive. With the right care, a bike and especially the drivetrain will last almost twice as long. Liquid chain wax is used in training and most races, hot wax in World Cups and World Championships - it's effective, but too time-consuming for everyday use."

Constancy is everything

Tyre, fork and shock pressure should remain constant in order to guarantee a consistent riding experience. "Small air losses due to time or differences in altitude can noticeably change performance. Therefore, make a note of the pressures and check them before every ride. This will keep your responsiveness and grip stable. Defects caused by too high or too low tire pressure are also prevented." Incidentally, this also applies to the ergonomic settings on the mountain bike. Saddle height and position as well as handlebar height should always be noted down. If you need to replace something or buy a new bike, you can simply take the measurements back.

Maintenance pays off

One fork and shock service per year is sufficient, provided the bike is regularly maintained. The best time to do this is after the season and by prior arrangement with the service provider. "If the bike is not washed, the seals should still be cleaned with a cloth after every ride. Fine dust builds up even without mud and reduces responsiveness and promotes wear. Before sending the bike in for a service, it is advisable to make a note of the air pressures and damping settings (rebound, compression) in case they deviate afterwards."

Balanced is the best way to ride

Whether you're on an after-work ride or an alpine tour, the correct negative suspension travel (sag) is crucial. If it is not correct, not only does the function of the suspension elements suffer, but also the position on the bike, with negative consequences for grip and safety, Black knows and adds: "To prevent rollovers, recreational bikers often sit too far back in technical terrain, often because the cockpit is too low. However, this means you lose control of the front wheel. A higher handlebar position helps to correct the body position towards the front. With new bikes or forks, I therefore recommend starting with a high position and gradually working your way up to the optimum height. Comfort and control must be in harmony. However, do not shorten the steerer tube too much afterwards. A centimeter reserve makes later adjustments easier."

Shifting precision and braking power

"For rear derailleurs without direct frame mounting, such as Sram Transmission, the dropouts must be absolutely straight. Even the smallest deviations reduce the shifting quality, whether with mechanical or electronic shifting. I therefore consider regular checks with a straightening tool or at the specialist dealer to be mandatory."

The brake lever position also influences efficiency and fatigue, Gavin Black reveals at the end: "In the sitting position, the lever, index finger and forearms should form a line. When standing, the brake fingers should then rest lightly on the lever. The lever distance should be chosen so that the finger rests on the foremost joint and not on the fingertip. There should be a 90-degree angle between medium and full brake pressure, as this is where the finger force is greatest. This reduces arm fatigue, even on long descents. This provides safety and, above all, more riding fun."