Tools and Maintenance

Tools and bicycle maintenance

Regular bicycle maintenance benefits both appearance and technology

For many people, cycling is not only an extremely popular leisure activity. Quite a few rely on the two-wheeler as their number one means of transport. The bicycle or e-bike usually proves to be a loyal, frugal companion that does not need much. Nevertheless, or perhaps because of this, bicycle maintenance is not exactly popular with most cyclists. Keeping your bicycle in tip-top condition is not the most important thing; rather, it is more important to extend the life of many components and the bicycle as a whole through regular bicycle care and maintenance. Only well-maintained e-bikes are reliable means of transport. Last but not least, wear and tear can be significantly reduced.

What does proper bicycle care involve?

Many e-bikers do not know what is included in the standard bicycle care programme and what bicycle care products are available on the market. Water alone is usually not enough. Chain oils, greases, bicycle cleaners and care products make the beauty treatment easier. A pleasant side effect of bicycle care is that the rider takes a closer look and spots any damage at second glance. The intended use and type of bicycle determine how much care and maintenance it requires. Mountain bikes, for example, usually require more cleaning than city bikes, and the question of how to properly care for an e-bike and which bicycle care products are useful here is a different matter altogether.

But first, here are the most common tips for bicycle care that apply to all bikes:

• Wash your bicycle immediately after your ride if it is very dirty. Please do not use a high-pressure cleaner; it is better to use warm water and a sponge.
• Special brushes help with stubborn dirt and in difficult corners.
• Cleaning agents and chain cleaners help to remove dirt that is stuck fast, for example after long periods of inactivity; rust inhibitors and penetrating oils loosen stuck parts and rust.
• Lubricate all moving parts after cleaning
• Have suspension elements serviced regularly
• Bicycle chain: treat with chain spray for optimum power transmission and long service life (prevents corrosion)
• Brakes: Caution! Do not allow brake discs to come into contact with oil!
• If bicycle care products are used, please use a protective mat to protect the environment

What maintenance requirements does an e-bike have?

Apart from the fact that e-bikes, just like any other bicycle, need to be looked after, they also have special maintenance and care requirements. There are also special bicycle care products for e-bikes. When caring for your e-bike, keep high-pressure or steam cleaners away. If water gets into the motor, battery or connections, it can have fatal consequences. As a general rule, you should remove the e-bike battery before cleaning the bike. You can wipe the battery with a damp cloth at the same time. The display should also be stored safely before washing. When drying the e-bike, pay particular attention to the battery holder and connections!

Proper e-bike care in winter

During the cold season, you should take special care of your e-bike – especially the battery, as it does not like freezing temperatures. The best place to store your e-bike battery in winter is at room temperature. The charge capacity should be between 30 and 60 percent. Nevertheless, you don't have to leave your e-bike in the basement in winter. With the right care and the appropriate bike care products, you can ride your e-bike all year round.