How to Maintain and Clean an Indoor Cycling Bike
Your indoor exercise bike is only as durable as your maintenance efforts! You shouldn’t expect your indoor bike to outlast its warranty if you don’t take good care of it. Factors like sweat, dust, and other external elements can cause significant damage to your bike’s core parts. Read on to learn how to protect your beloved indoor cycle from these pernicious elements and keep it in tip-top condition!
1. Pay Attention to the Drive System
Whether your indoor bike runs off a chain or belt drive, you need to run regular checks on the drive system to ensure that it is in perfect shape. This is especially important if you are using a chain-driven bike. Indoor bikes that utilize a chain drive need more maintenance than those that use a belt drive.
A chain drive demands regular lubrication as it tends to dry out easily. In some rare cases, the system might need to be replaced due to wear and tear. Belt-driven systems, on the other hand, require minimal maintenance. They need zero to no lubrication to provide an ultra-smooth ride!
2. Keep the Frame Clean and Pristine
An indoor bike’s frame is one of its most delicate and damage-prone parts. The frame is constantly exposed to damaging factors like sweat and oil, which can affect the bike’s performance and functionality. When moisture, grease, or oil comes into contact with your bike’s frame, it can lead to corrosion or cause the wear and tear of the soft materials. So each time you use your indoor bike, check for wet spots on the spin bike’s pedals, handlebars, and frame.
To keep your frame clean and free of these elements, you should disinfect your bike every now and then, especially the spin bike’s seat because it’s in contact with sensitive skin. The best part is you don’t have to buy a disinfectant as you can make an effective cleaning solution yourself. Simply make a mixture of 10 percent soap and 90 percent warm water and pour it into a spray bottle. So once you are done working out, spray the mixture on the handlebars, frame, and pedals. Then use a microfiber or cotton towel to wipe down the solution. You can also make a cleaning solution with a half cup of vinegar and a half cup of warm water!
3. Keep the Surrounding Areas Clean
Indoor bike cleaning and maintenance isn’t limited to the bike; it also entails keeping the surrounding areas clean and germ-free. One particular point of focus is the floor, as it tends to house accumulated dust and grime that may invade your bike’s internal components and mess with their function.
If you can, avoid floors that are prone to dust and detritus accumulation. Ensure to use a spin bike floor mat and vacuum the floor regularly. As a precautionary measure against damaging elements, keep your bike in a dry space. Remember, your bike is susceptible to damp and moisture-filled environments, so avoid those by all means.
4. Take Extra Care of the Brakes
Indoor exercise bikes generally feature two types of brakes (resistance); contact and magnetic brakes. While magnetic resistance bikes demand minimal maintenance, contact (aka friction) brakes require sufficient maintenance to function seamlessly. Contact braking systems don’t need round-the-clock maintenance because they work with contactless magnetic force to stop the motion of the flywheel.
Per contra, contact brakes like felt pads use friction to stop the rotation of the flywheel. The friction produced is what makes regular maintenance a must! However, cleaning the brakes isn’t a herculean task. You only need a lubricant to coat the metal and a silicone brush to wipe off any lingering dust or debris.
And that’s it! Adopt these spin bike maintenance tips, and your indoor exercise bike will give you a good run for your money!
Robbie Ferri from “Riding with Robbie” has been cycling for almost ten years. In that time, he has broken World Records, Bikepacked all over the World, and also raced ultra distance at a top-level. Robbie picked up a bike and started cycling when he was about 25 years old and said it was the best thing he ever did. The experiences and the fun he’s had have given him a huge passion for helping inspire others to ride further, farther, and get fitter.
