HOW TO MAINTAIN AN E-BIKE WITH GT85

While they might be hardy, e-bikes aren’t bulletproof, they need some TLC. If you want yours to put the miles in, then you need to grab your best kept secret and learn how to maintain an e-bike.

The black ‘n’ red team have put their heads together so you can keep your bike’s components sweet. Read on to swot up.

AN OVERVIEW OF WHERE TO SQUIRT GT85

E-bike maintenance starts with a rag and some GT85. Target the axles, cables, callipers, chain, derailleurs, bolts, pedals and suspension with your formula. Stick on the red straw for nooks and crannies. Once the essentials are cleaned and protected, finish with a frame polish using a fresh rag and a final blast.

THE DIRTY TRUTH ABOUT E-BIKE WEAR AND TEAR

Knowing how to maintain an e-bike is the difference between years of riding and constant breakdowns that drain your wallet and patience.

E-BIKE BATTERIES

They take the most heat on an e-bike. Most will give you 3-5 years if you don’t abuse them. Your charge cycles matter too – lithium-ion can handle about 1,000, nickel around 500 and lead, even less. Where, how you ride, as well as how you store it makes a huge difference too. If you cheap out and ignore how to maintain e-bike advice, your battery and its parts can end up going kaput. But if you look after it, it’ll keep pushing.

• USING GT85
  Remove the battery. Wipe down the terminals and contacts with a dry rag. Once everything’s clean and dry, give the contact points a light spray of GT85 to drive out moisture and leave a protective layer.

E-BIKE MOTORS

Expect anywhere between 3-10 years if you’re not flogging it. Geared hub motors tend to wear quicker given all the internal friction, often needing a swap between 3,000 and 10,000 miles. Mid-drive motors usually last longer but hate water and are a pain to replace when they go. Either way, if your motor’s failing on a hill climb, it might be time for a new e-bike. Make it last by keeping it dry, cleaning it and not riding it into the ground. GT85 keeps moisture and rust at bay – remember, use it well.

• USING GT85
  To maintain your e-bike motor, wipe it down first. Then, spray GT85 onto the rag and work it over the motor, cables and any exposed metal. Finish by buffing everything with a new rag to remove any excess and leave a clean, protective layer behind.

E-BIKE TYRES

The only thing between you and the grit are your tyres – pretty important. Most e-bike tyres last between 1,000-3,000 miles, so keep your PSI dialled in and give them a once-over after a ride to check they’re clean and smooth.

• USING GT85
  Keep the rims, spokes and hubs lubed, cleaned and protected. Spray GT85 on a rag and wipe down the metal parts around the tyres to keep rust away. Don’t spray the tread – you want friction.

E-BIKE BRAKES

Double check performance often and give them a proper inspection every few rides. Good disc brakes can see up to 6,000 miles but cheaper ones might only last half that. Most e-bikes have integrated braking systems that cut off the motor power when you brake, so if they wear out, the whole system can be affected.

• USING GT85
  Spray GT85 on a rag and wipe down the brake levels, callipers and cable housings. Steer clear of the pads and rotors.

E-BIKE CHAINS

Mid-drive motors put a whole lot of torque through them. You’ll get anywhere from 1,000 to 3,000 miles depending on how well you look after it. Keep it lubed, cleaned and protected and it’ll last. Neglect it and you’ll be swapping out chains faster than your tyres. Belt drives can go longer but for most riders, proper chain care is non-negotiable. GT85 it or it’s likely going to end up at your scrap metal centre.

• USING GT85
  Get a bucket of soapy water and scrub down your drivetrain with a brush, paying attention to the chainring to avoid hitting your wheel hub bearings. Keep at it until it’s clean, then let it dry fully. Once dry, spray an old rag with GT85 and wipe down the chain, and finish with a layer to lube and protect.

MORE ABOUT GT85

That’s how to maintain an e-bike – now get off your backside and put it into practice.

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