I'm thinking of coming back to trials after a very long sabbatical. Having looked around this forum and hoovered up as much information as possible from other places, it's clear that it's a very different world to the one I left.

 

So while on the lookout for a bike I'm trying to understand the maintenance implications:

• What is the correct interval for changing gearbox oil?
• What is the best way to clean/lube a chain?
• What sort of life should I expect from tyres/chain/wheel bearings/head bearings/brake pads and any other consumables?
• I've seen a few people quoting life in hours. How do you measure "hours" on a trials bike?
• What other frequent (or infrequent) maintenance tasks have I missed?

Please be gentle on me.

For reference I have a Montesa 4RT, wife has a Gas Gas 125, and daughter has a Beta Rev 80.

What is the correct interval for changing gearbox oil? (Depends on the bike and how hard you are on it, most I would say have a 15 hour interval, some up to 30. More often is good)

What is the best way to clean/lube a chain? (I like the remove, soak in closed container of solvent re-lube and place back on bike, but it's personal preference really.)

What sort of life should I expect from tyres/chain/wheel bearings/head bearings/brake pads and any other consumables? (All about, brand, usage, and preference. Example: I am on year 4 and have only re-greased all my barrings except one replacement in the rear linkage, two sets of brake pads and am just about to replace my chain for the first time but the last year hasn't been lots of riding).

I've seen a few people quoting life in hours. How do you measure "hours" on a trials bike? (Hour meter hooked to the bike, easy to get one)

What other frequent (or infrequent) maintenance tasks have I missed? (Cleaned the fuel tank and filter once, and replaced the grips once).

Edited November 22, 20169 yr by jonnyc21