A well-maintained bike is a smooth sailing machine. Whether you have a mountain bike or a road bike, to get the maximum cycling benefit, you must stick to regular bike maintenance. Unlike other vehicles, which need professional maintenance, your bike needs only you for its proper care. Upgrading it with better bike accessories, lubricating and cleaning the bicycle parts can certainly make a difference. The chain is an integral part of your bicycle. Cleaning, degreasing and lubricating it are essential for its function. Add washing liquid to a warm bucket of water and scrub the chain with a stiff bristled brush. Use a degreaser on the chain and let it sink into tiny links and cuts. This removes dirt and sticky residue that you cannot reach. Rotate the cranks backwards for the degreaser to get into all parts and let it dry. You can wash it off later.
Wipe the chain with a cloth and use your hand and fingers to clean the links and around the chain. Lube the chain once it is properly cleaned. Make sure the lube gets into the links and spin the cranks to coat the whole chain. Use a light-weight lubricant and do not use too much of it. You can buy light lubricants from a bike shop where you buy your other bike accessories. Remove the outer covering to expose the inner cable. Wipe it with a cloth soaked in degreaser. If the cable is rusty, replace it with a new one. You can find replacement cables in any bike shop. Grease the cable by coating a cloth with grease and dragging the cable along it. Clean the front derailleur with hot soapy water. Use a small toothbrush to clean the underneath. Floss the outside and inside of the derailleur with a thin strip of cloth and lube it. Use a thin metal spoke or a screwdriver to clean the rear derailleur. Make sure to take out all the dirt trapped there.
Check the pressure on your tires to keep them in good riding condition. Test the brakes, both front and the back. Stand in front of the bike and hold the handlebars. Apply the front brake and start to pull the bike towards you. Watch the front wheel to make sure it is not moving and the longer you pull the rear wheel will lift off the ground. These are the signs that the brakes work properly. Apply the rear brake and do the same movement. The rear wheel will not turn but the longer you pull, it will skid to show that your rear brakes are working fine.