Seriously - when I was a kid and just rode the old BMX around the neighborhood it was enough to hose it down every year or two, then douse the parts in some WD-40.
When I started cycling more as an adult I quickly realized that I needed to learn how to maintain my bike (and that WD-40 is no good). Now, I spend so much time keeping the bike tuned and running smooth. All the drive components, tires and brakes need constant upkeep and replacement.
Sounds like a good reason to get used to doing plain parafin chain dips. That’s what I do and it’s so simple and effective. I just have a bag of candle making parafin blocks and mini like 1qt slow cooker.
I’m just talking about chain oil, I don’t have a solution for anything else 🙂
Parafin seems easier to make at home since it’s has been used for candles for a long time (since like the 1800s). Plus you can salvage candles in a pinch, and dipping a chain hardly takes any Parafin from the pot so the same pot will last decades. I’ve been using the same Parafin pot for about 5 years and the level hasn’t noticeably changed.
Not to mention that using a dry lube like parafin greatly extends the chain life because it doesn’t collect dirt and sand that increases chain wear, and you wouldn’t want to have to find a new chain.
Tires last a very long time. Tubes can be repaired over and over with patch kits. Chain lubrication helps keep the things running longer, but you can go a long time without lubricating your chain, and if you ever do need to lubricate it, you don’t really need the specialized bike-specific oil, just any light machine oil.
A typical bike emergency repair kit fits in a small pouch under the seat or inside the frame.
There are some specialty tools you need if you are doing advanced bike maintenance, but I do most of my own repairs and I’ve never used half the tools in my lunchbox-sized tool kit. I know how to use a chain whip, but I’ve never actually needed one. I’ve never needed a bottom bracket tool or a crank puller. For the most part, the tools you need for bike maintenance can be found in basically any toolbox.
Good point. Now I gotta add tubes and tires to my prepper stockpiles. Chain oil, too.
Zombie stories always have cars. You think maintaining cars is easier? At least most bikes have pretty standard parts.
Seriously - when I was a kid and just rode the old BMX around the neighborhood it was enough to hose it down every year or two, then douse the parts in some WD-40.
When I started cycling more as an adult I quickly realized that I needed to learn how to maintain my bike (and that WD-40 is no good). Now, I spend so much time keeping the bike tuned and running smooth. All the drive components, tires and brakes need constant upkeep and replacement.
Those degrade over time, though. After ten years, you’d have trouble keeping your bike running.
But a car’s 10 year old tires would be perfectly fine though?
The maintenance is easier than on a car though.
I’ve seen ten year old tires new in package. they seem fine enough
Sounds like a good reason to get used to doing plain parafin chain dips. That’s what I do and it’s so simple and effective. I just have a bag of candle making parafin blocks and mini like 1qt slow cooker.
That won’t help with the tires and inner tubes. And where are you getting the wax?
Tires and tubes are ultimately for comfort. We can go back to making wood tires, they worked for a looooong time.
Can ride on rims for a long while. The Japanese did it when they invaded Singapore.
I’m just talking about chain oil, I don’t have a solution for anything else 🙂
Parafin seems easier to make at home since it’s has been used for candles for a long time (since like the 1800s). Plus you can salvage candles in a pinch, and dipping a chain hardly takes any Parafin from the pot so the same pot will last decades. I’ve been using the same Parafin pot for about 5 years and the level hasn’t noticeably changed.
Not to mention that using a dry lube like parafin greatly extends the chain life because it doesn’t collect dirt and sand that increases chain wear, and you wouldn’t want to have to find a new chain.
Just follow the bees
Tires last a very long time. Tubes can be repaired over and over with patch kits. Chain lubrication helps keep the things running longer, but you can go a long time without lubricating your chain, and if you ever do need to lubricate it, you don’t really need the specialized bike-specific oil, just any light machine oil.
A typical bike emergency repair kit fits in a small pouch under the seat or inside the frame.
There are some specialty tools you need if you are doing advanced bike maintenance, but I do most of my own repairs and I’ve never used half the tools in my lunchbox-sized tool kit. I know how to use a chain whip, but I’ve never actually needed one. I’ve never needed a bottom bracket tool or a crank puller. For the most part, the tools you need for bike maintenance can be found in basically any toolbox.
I thought I read somewhere about Dutch people using lengths of garden hose as ersatz tires during WWII.