In prepration of a new bike

[illmonkey]

I'm hoping to get a bike on the cycle to work scheme soon. Can you suggest things I should be doing to it before using it, to ensure its maintained well.

I've heard of a protector, basically like polish/wax for a car. Also thinking about getting it tagged.

[illmonkey]

bumpy.

[Muzzlehatch]

I use an acrylic polish, Crystal Glo, which is used by many motorbikers. It gives a very nice shine whilst protecting the paintwork, and all the crap wipes off quite easily.

[P-Jay]

You can give it a spray of Muc-Off bike spray, it stops water/mud sticking to your frame and much easier to clean. Just make sure it doesn't go near braking surfaces. But for the most part, bikes (Mountain Bikes anyway) don't mind getting dirty at all. Just keep the drive chain lubed with chain lube (wet for wet days, dry for dry - easy enough to remember) and she'll be fine.

As for security, there's loads of reactive things like tagging, but once it's gone, they usually stay gone. Be proactive, Bikes are total scrote magnets. Ideally stored locked to something like a ground anchor in a locked garage or shed, or even in your house. Never leave it out of sight unless you've got a high quality lock on it, and even then locks only buy you time, they're all beatable given enough time.

Edited by P-Jay on Thursday 18th June 11:55

[anonymous-user]

the key is to leave the bike parked up where people will walk past it even if it means you are walking a minute or two to your final destination. as people pass the bike frequently, anything suspicious is noticed and thieves are put off attacking the locks. on that subject, invest in some kryptonite locks, they are heavy and expensive but my god they are intimidating and thieves just ignore them because they know how good the locks are.

tagging is a good idea but i would only ever get the frame back. living in bristol, a stolen bike is stripped very quickly...thus big locks and pedestrian areas are always better.