This is the fourth column in a series about maintenance, repair and riding tips for your bike or e-bike.

Use dry lube chain lubrication in the hot and dry Okanagan, not WD-40, not cooking oil, not automotive engine oil or motorcycle chain lube (the latter has higher chain speeds). Dry lube is thin, evaporates and leaves a Teflon lubricant on the chain.

Use a biodegradable chain cleaner. A plastic chain-degrease chamber with brushes does a decent job of removing grease and dirt buildup. Use often, especially after dry, dusty trails.

You can move the braided edge of a dishcloth soaked in cleaner up and down to clean chain rings. A stiff brush can also clean the chain ring and the derailleur using the leftover liquid from the second or third chain cleaning (in a tuna can) if it's not too dirty.

Don't use automotive fluids on disc brakes. If you get chain lube or degreaser on a disc, clean it off with rubbing alcohol.

Tire levers are only used to remove a flat tire or to replace it........

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