With the beginning of the year, it’s the right time to pause and take care of your bicycle. After months of riding, training and changing conditions, a complete maintenance routine helps you start the new season with a bike that feels smoother, quieter and more reliable.
That’s why at Sprayke we follow and suggest a simple, practical approach: CLEAN · LUBE · PROTECT.
Three essential steps to reset your bike and keep it running at its best throughout the year.
CLEAN – Thorough bike cleaning
Cleaning is always the first step. Dirt, mud and dust are not just an aesthetic issue: over time they increase wear on components and reduce the efficiency of the drivetrain.
Start by washing the entire bike, beginning with the frame and wheels, then move on to the drivetrain and the areas where dirt tends to build up the most. It’s important to use a bicycle-specific cleaner that is effective but gentle, so it won’t damage paint, carbon parts or seals.
Recommended product:
Sprayke Super Cleaner – a multi-purpose cleaner designed for safe and effective bike cleaning, suitable for both frames and mechanical components.
Practical tip: Avoid using high-pressure washers near bearings, the bottom bracket and the headset. A gentler approach helps your bike last longer.
LUBE – Drivetrain lubrication
Once the bike is clean and completely dry, it’s time to lubricate the drivetrain. Proper lubrication improves pedalling smoothness and reduces wear on the chain and gears.
Apply the lubricant evenly along the chain, letting it penetrate before wiping away any excess with a clean cloth. Using the right amount is key: too little increases friction, too much attracts dirt.
Recommended product:
Sprayke Lube 1, Lube 2 – ideal for regular use, helping to keep the drivetrain smooth, quiet and efficient.
Practical tip: Always lubricate a clean chain. Applying lubricant on a dirty chain only traps grime and reduces performance.
PROTECT – Frame and component protection
The final step is often overlooked, but it plays a major role in long-term maintenance. Protecting the frame and components helps reduce dirt adhesion and makes future cleaning easier.
A protected bike stays cleaner for longer, especially when riding in muddy or dusty conditions, and maintains a better overall appearance over time.
Recommended product:
Sprayke Siltel – a protective treatment that creates a light barrier on the frame surfaces, helping to repel dirt and simplify maintenance.
Practical tip: Apply protection only on a clean, dry bike and avoid brake discs and braking surfaces.
Why follow the CLEAN · LUBE · PROTECT method
Regularly following these three steps helps to:
- improve bike performance
- reduce component wear
- prevent mechanical issues
- keep the bike in better condition over time
It’s a simple method suitable for both beginners and experienced riders, requiring only a bit of time and the right products.
Start the year the right way
The start-of-year reset is the perfect opportunity to take care of your bike and prepare it for the season ahead. Cleaning, lubricating and protecting are simple actions that make every ride smoother and more enjoyable.
With the CLEAN · LUBE · PROTECT method, Sprayke supports riders who want to look after their bike properly, with products designed and made in Italy by people who truly live and breathe cycling.
