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PART 2
Cleaning Your Bike
Section E. Maintenance
GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual
Cleaning Your Bike
Use only water and dish washing liquid.
On suspension forks and shocks, cover adjustment knobs and air filter (if equipped) with a clean plastic bag
secured temporarily with a rubber band or masking tape.
Before wiping away dirt, use an ordinary water hose to gently spray off heavy soils and dirt.
CAUTION
DO NOT power wash or spray water under high pressure to clean. Power washing will force contaminants
into parts where they will promote corrosion, immediately damage, or result in accelerated wear.
DO NOT use compressed air to dry.
DO NOT use abrasive or harsh chemical cleaner/solvents which can damage the finish or attack and
destroy both the outside and internal parts.
When rinsing, avoid directing the spray directly at shock/fork adjusters or bearings.
Importance of Lubrication
After cleaning your bike you should lubricate it. The chain should be lubricated. Consult with a bicycle dealer
to choose from among the many types of lubricant products best suited to your climate and riding
conditions. The pivot points on your derailleurs should be lubricated. The following parts and components
may require lubrication depending on the manufacturer’s instructions or recommendation of a professional
bike mechanic:
•
Drive Chain
•
Pivot points - a small drop of oil to each pivot
point and wipe off the excess.
•
Derailleur cables
•
Brake cables
•
Brake pivots
•
Headset bearings
•
Bottom bracket bearings
•
Hub bearings
•
Freehub
•
Seat post to seat tube
•
Stem to steering tube
