You are beginning to understand Mountain Bike Crankset Care. The bicycle is constructed up of a number of pieces that cooperate with one another. The crankset, which is comprised of everything that is located between the two pedals, functions in a manner similar to that of the bike’s gearbox. It converts the power generated by your legs into useful motion by applying it first to the pedals, then to the chain, and lastly to the back wheel. Mountain Bike Crankset Care means ensuring that the power transmission is done smoothly.
The fact that cranksets need relatively little maintenance is undeniably a strong selling point for these components. All that is required of you is the standard inspection and cleaning.
Make sure that the crankarms and chainrings on your bike are in excellent physical condition by inspecting them. Check the crankarms for “play” and look for any evidence of damage such as cracks, dents, or other indicators of wear and tear.
Grab either crankarm (not the pedal) and attempt to rock it back and forth perpendicular to your frame. You will be able to ascertain from this whether or not there is play if you do this. Any movement might indicate that the crank bolts are loose, that the bearings are damaged, or that the bearings need to be adjusted.
When you pedal, you will be able to tell whether there is a bend in your crankarm or pedal because you will feel the curve. It will seem like you are swaying up and down or back and forth. Both are possible sensations. If you observe this, remove the pedal from the crankarm, hold it by the bolt that joins it to the crank, and spin the pedal while holding it by the bolt. If the pedal does not rotate freely, it is likely broken and will need to be replaced. If it does spin smoothly, then the problem is probably with your crankarm, and you will need to get it replaced since it is bent.
If any of these factors are present, the issues you’re having with your crankset might be rather significant. Before you attempt to ride your bicycle again, it is in your best interest to bring it into a REI bike store to get it serviced. You’ll be glad to hear that our website provides a large selection of top-notch books on thorough bicycle maintenance if you want to handle things on your own.
Crankset Cleaning Methods and Protocols
Check to see that your crankset is clean and in good condition. Your bike’s performance might be negatively impacted if dirt and grime are allowed to rapidly accumulate. It is not necessary to apply additional oil to the bearings or lubricate the surrounding region since the majority of contemporary crankset systems use sealed bearings. After each ride, just give the bike a quick wash. On the other hand, be sure that you do not spray water directly onto the bearing region. Furthermore, you should never use a power sprayer.
For more thorough cleaning, use a firm brush (a toothbrush is an excellent choice) and any kind of cleaning solution. Use a screwdriver that has been wrapped in a clean cloth or a Q-tip to access those areas that are difficult to access.
Maintaining a dry and clean riding environment for your bicycle at all times can protect it from any potential damage.
