Bike Preparations before a Tour

[Jugular]

Hi,

I'm currently awaiting the return of my bike from the bike shop where it's under renovation. When I go about putting the bike back together I figure I'll want to grease everything up, oil the chain, fit new cables and screw everything nice and tight. Where might I get a good price on SS allen key headed screws, cables and housing (should I oil the housing?). What greases and oils should I be getting for this job and for touring in general? What should I be checking/cleaning/oiling while on the road and how frequently?

 

[ufkacbln]

Don't!

A piece of advice I was given years ago and has worked well for me.

The timr to try a new saddle, bed in new brake blocks, etc is NOT on a tour. You are far better maintaininhthe bike in a "tour ready state"all the time, and make any adjustments changes with time to bed in and work before you start travelling

 

[samid]

So your bike shop "renovates" your bike but doesn't grease/lube it? Sounds a bit weird to me. Or are they just respraying the frame?

If your bike is old and has been used a lot - check your chain (check out "measuring chain wear" on this page), you might be better off replacing it rather than lubing.

BTW - While on tour, I carry a small can of Boeshield T-9 - works well for relubing the chain and also can be used to lube pretty much anything "external" in a pinch - such as mech rollers etc.

 

[Jugular]

So your bike shop "renovates" your bike but doesn't grease/lube it? Sounds a bit weird to me. Or are they just respraying the frame?

If your bike is old and has been used a lot - check your chain (check out "measuring chain wear" on this page), you might be better off replacing it rather than lubing.

BTW - While on tour, I carry a small can of Boeshield T-9 - works well for relubing the chain and also can be used to lube pretty much anything "external" in a pinch - such as mech rollers etc.

Renovation is just on the bike frame. I've bought a whole new groupset (incl. chain) and will be buying new handbuilt wheels from Harry Rowland. After these changes there will be bedding in regardless so I figured I might as well change the screws so they can all be fiddled with with the fewest number of tools. I'll look into Boeshield T-9.

 

[samid]

Sorry if I'm stating the obvious but if you get a new chain it will be lubed, and that original lube should last for a few hundred miles - so don't relube a new chain (but do take a small can of T-9 with you - if your drivetrain starts to squeak while on tour, it may come in handy).

 

[jags]

i always degrease a new chain because as far as i know its only a protective coating they use when packing the chain.i found the best lube is pro gold .and for everything else tri flo.

 

[doog]

i always degrease a new chain because as far as i know its only a protective coating they use when packing the chain.i found the best lube is pro gold .and for everything else tri flo.

I left mine with the coating on on my recent France tour and despite several soakings it didn't need any attention over 700 miles. I did this as a bit of an experiment having read this story about removing it asap.....but why i ask? From what I saw it offered better protection than most lubes i've used.