MONTHLY

• These procedures are essential to maximizing your enjoyment and minimizing
  costs at a later time.
• Lubricate & inspect chain & freewheel. Dust, dirt & sand are the major reasons
  why a bicycle drivetrain wears out.
• The chain and freewheel, when worn out, must be replaced at the same time.
• Replacing only one of these will result in chain "skipping" or a very noisy drivetrain.
• To lubricate, first clean the chain and freewheel with citrus degreaser, then
  apply a teflon-based oil to the chain and wipe off the excess.
• In the event of riding in rain, snow, sand or mud, this maintenance should be carried out
  more frequently.
  
• Lubricate & inspect derailleurs. Lubricate the pulleys and the pivot points
  on the rear derailleur. Lubricate the pivot points on the front derailleur.
  Use a teflon-based lubricant. Ask a bicycle shop to show you how to perform
  adjustments on derailleurs when necessary.
• Inspect for loose nuts or bolts.
• Check wheel bearing adjustment. This can be done by lifting each wheel off
  the ground and moving it from side to side. If there is play, the hubs
  require adjustment or overhaul.
• Check Headset Adjustment. This is done by applying the front brake and
  "rocking" the bicycle back and forth. If there is play, the headset requires
  adjustment.
• Note: The wheel bearing and headset adjustments are best left for a bike
  mechanic. If the bicycle is ridden in this condition for long, expensive
  replacements may be necessary.
  
  EVERY 3 MONTHS
  
  Check tires for wear and replace if necessary.
  Inspect and lubricate brake levers.
  Inspect crankset. Check your crank bolts to ensure they are tight. Riding a
  bicycle with loose crank bolts almost always results in expensive repairs.
  Inspect pedals to ensure that the bearings are properly adjusted.
  
  HALF-YEARLY OR YEARLY MAINTENANCE
  
  Some of the half-yearly or yearly tasks are more complex and you might
  prefer to make them part of a regular service by a bicycle mechanic.
  
  The tasks include:
  
  Remove, clean and re-lubricate chain and derailleur gears.
  Check and re-lubricate brake and gear cables.
  Dismantle, clean and regrease headset.
  Dismantle, clean and regrease front and back hubs.
  Clean cluster with cloth dampened with solvent.
  Check head stem and handlebars for any undue movement
  Regrease bottom bracket bearings.
  Regrease wheel bearings
  Regrease headset bearings.
  Lubricate seatpost. Failure to do this may result in a seatpost which can
  not be moved or adjusted. Lubricate seatpost. Failure to do this may result
  in a seatpost which can not be moved or adjusted.
  Note: Regreasing of the bottom bracket, wheel bearings, and headset bearings
  requires an overhaul procedure, best left for a bicycle mechanic.
  
  Generally speaking, most of the maintenance procedures can be carried out by
  the rider, without any special service tools required.