1. To lubricate or not?
New bikes have all of their mechanisms greased at the factory, yet occasionally this doesn't work out. The bike's recent age does not provide a 100% guarantee that all of the mechanisms' rubbing parts have enough lubrication.
Lubrication is always applied in sufficient amounts in a typical factory, although it doesn't always reach the friction unit precisely. It might be discovered when disassembling the head tube that there is sufficient lubrication within, but most of it is put immediately above or below the bearings' working surface. A small amount of grease reached the bearings at the same time. This also holds true for other rotating units based on balls.
Not all new bikes—the majority of them are oiled properly—but lubrication issues do arise occasionally.
You have the option to have your bike assembled by the retailer. However, nobody is going to grease anything for you. More importantly, take apart the forks, bushings, and other factory-assembled systems for lubrication. A skilled mechanic can disassemble, lubricate, and reassemble the bike in its entirety in a few hours. You can, of course, purchase disassembly, lubrication, and assembly services for an extra charge if the store offers a service center. However, not all stores have a service department.
It's best to dismantle every bicycle you buy yourself, new or old. Where should I assemble and lubricate? However, fully disassembling the bicycle and reassembling it is a difficult process that calls for specialized equipment and expertise. If you don't mind, go ahead and complete it before the first ride. Don't waste any time. This technique can take an entire day for a non-professional, but it is well worth the time. You'll be certain that everything is appropriately greased. Additionally, having knowledge of assembly and disassembly will be useful in the future.
Don't bother if you find assembly and disassembly to be a big challenge. However, most brand-name bicycles, particularly those that are brand-new, are sold lubricated by default. Prominent producers like Scott, Author, Specialized, Trek, GT, Cannondale, and Cube strive to uphold quality; as a result, their percentage of bicycle systems with improper lubricant is very low.
After purchasing a secondhand bicycle, it is imperative to inspect the lubricant and the bicycle units for the presence of grease. The secondhand bike needs to be disassembled, cleaned with specialized cleansers, lubricated, and then reassembled. Specialized lubricants must be used. Lithol should never be used to lubricate metal parts since it reacts with moisture to cause aluminum to corrode. If you are having trouble with the disassembly and assembly process, get in touch with a bicycle service center.
2. What kind of lubricant should be used to lubricate various parts of a bicycle.
All lubricants can be divided into 3 types:
consistent;
liquid;
two-component.
2.1. Consistent lubricants
robust, thick, and resistant to temperature lubricants. The ideal choice for friction units that are sealed against dust and debris while still allowing for simple human access following disassembly. They can't be used everywhere; a chain pin, for instance, can't have thick grease poured to it. The fact that dust and debris adhere easily to heavy grease is a major drawback.
Grease made of calcium sticks well to metal surfaces. Suggested for lubricating components like pedal balls and wheel bushings that are frequently in contact with water. Range of temperatures: -30 °C to +50 °C. Calcium greases include Solidol and Uniol.
2.2. Liquid lubricants.
Point-wise, it is simple to apply to any location and leaves no residue behind. Cons: leaks from components, rain rapidly wipes it off, viscosity drastically varies with temperature, and tire rubber is destroyed if struck by mistake.
Liquid oils lubricate the fork legs and are utilized as a working fluid in shock absorber forks. Lubricate chain pins easily. Cables are lubricated sometimes. Because of the quick washing off, frequent lubrication is necessary.
жирний -2.3. Two-component lubricants.
Aerosol is the application method of choice since it completely envelops the joint or unit and gets into even the smallest crevices. ideal for lubricating switches, chains, threaded joints, and other components. Spraying and getting grease in areas that don't need it is a drawback.
