The WD-40 Specialist Bike range was developed for everyday city riders as well as for those who train or ride off road. Each product covers its own stage: cleaning, degreasing the drivetrain and lubricating the chain.
Ukrainian roads add to the workload: in spring and autumn the chain is pelted with wet mud and sand, and in winter with de-icing chemicals too. Doing things in the right order takes half an hour and noticeably extends the life of the chain, cassette and chainrings.
What you will need
Important: Keep degreaser and lubricants away from brake discs, pads and rims used with rim brakes. Cover these surfaces with a rag and wipe off any accidental splashes immediately.
Step 1
Wash the frame and wheels
Wash the bike with warm water and mild shampoo, working over dirty areas with a sponge or soft brush and avoiding the brakes. Rinse with a gentle flow: a pressure washer forces water into the bearings.
Dry the bike, then drive moisture out of bolts, cables and derailleurs with WD-40 Multi-Use so nothing starts to rust.
Step 2
Degrease the chain and drivetrain
Apply WD-40 Specialist Bike Degreaser to the chain, cassette and chainrings. Give it a few minutes to dissolve old lube and dirt.
Use an old toothbrush to clean between the links and the sprocket teeth, then rinse with water and wipe the chain dry with a clean rag.
Step 4
Apply lube to the chain
Turn the pedals backwards slowly and apply the lube drop by drop to each link on the inner side of the chain. Spin a few more turns so it works into the rollers.
Leave it for a few minutes, then wipe the excess off the outside thoroughly. Surplus lube only attracts grit and speeds up wear.
Step 5
Check the result
Run through all the gears: the chain should shift crisply with no crunching. If you hear a rasping sound, wipe the chain once more with a dry rag.
Tip: A simple test: run a clean rag along the chain. If it leaves a black mark, the chain needs degreasing, not just another layer of lube on top.
What next
In the dry season, service the chain roughly every 200-300 km, and after rides in rain or wet mud do it straight away. A bike looked after this regularly lasts longer and rides noticeably lighter.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».