27 Care and maintenance of the bike
27.1
Care
Do not allow care products or oils to come into con-
tact with brake pads, brake discs and the rim's brake
contact surfaces. This could reduce the effectiveness
of the brake.
Do not use a powerful water jet or high-pressure
cleaner. If water under under high pressure is direct-
ed at the bike, it can enter the bearings. This can di-
lute the lubricant which increases friction. This leads
to rusting and irrepairable damage to the bearings.
Do not clean your bike with
• acids,
• grease,
• hot oil,
• brake cleaners (apart from brake discs) or
• fluids containing solvents.
These substances attack the surface of the bike and
accelerate wear.
Dispose of used lubricants, cleaning agents and care
products in an environmentally sound manner. Do not
pour these substances into the domestic waste, down
the drain or into natural water bodies or the soil.
How well the bike works and how long it lasts de-
pends on how well you look after it.
› Clean your bike regularly using hot water, a small
amount of cleaning agent and a sponge.
› You should also always take this opportunity
to check your bike for cracks, dents or material
deformation.
› Have defective parts replaced before you ride the
bike again.
› Touch up damaged paintwork.
Treat all parts that are susceptible to corrosion more
frequently than other parts with preservatives and care
products, especially during the winter and in aggressive
environments such as coastal regions as otherwise your
bike will corrode (rust) more powerfully and quickly.
› Clean all galvanised and chrome-plated parts as
well as stainless-steel components regularly.
› Preserve these parts after cleaning with spray wax.
Make sure that wax does not come into contact
with brake discs and rims.
› If you stop using your bike for a while, in the win-
ter for example, store it in a dry place at a constant
temperature.
› Before putting your bike into storage, inflate both
tyres to the prescribed tyre pressure.
To find out more important information on looking after
your bike, visit the Internet pages of the relevant compo-
nent manufacturer. The link list in ➠ Chapter 29 provides
an overview with links.
27.2 Wear parts
Your bike is a technical product that must be regularly
checked.
Many parts on your bike are subject to a higher degree of
wear due to their function and depending on their use.
Have your bike checked regularly at a professional
bike workshop and have the wear parts replaced.
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