MTB Mountain Bike Maintenance NOVEMBER 2025 - EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TIPS AND SECRETS
MTB Maintenance for NOVEMBER 2025: Your Complete Guide
MTB Mountain Bike Maintenance in NOVEMBER 2025: Complete Guide for Mud and Humidity
The month of November 2025 brings with it mud, rain, and humidity, conditions that severely test every mechanical component of the Mountain Bike (MTB). Unlike a road bike, the MTB requires an intensified maintenance regime aimed at protecting the suspension and drivetrain systems from abrasion caused by mud and debris.
1. The Post-Ride Cleaning Routine (The Golden Rule of Mud)
Immediate cleaning is not optional, but a necessity for the survival of the components.
Immediate Washing: Never allow mud to dry. Use a low-pressure water jet (never high-pressure washers directed at bearings!) to remove the bulk of the dirt.
Specific Detergents: Use dedicated cleaners, preferably with a neutral pH. Focus on the frame, wheels, and drivetrain. Secret: Allow the detergent to act for a few minutes before rinsing to dissolve oily residues.
Drying: After rinsing, wipe the bike dry with a cloth, paying particular attention to the seals of the shocks and fork. Stagnant water around these areas is detrimental.
2. Suspensions: Fork and Shock (The Sensitive Points)
Suspensions are the most expensive and delicate systems, constantly exposed to dirt and humidity.
Stanchion Cleaning: After every ride, wipe the fork stanchions and the shock absorber with a clean, soft cloth, checking for scratches.
Lubrication: Apply a thin film of silicone oil or a specific stanchion lubricant and compress the suspensions to distribute the lubricant and bring out any residual dirt (push-down test). Wipe off the excess.
Air Pressure: Regularly check the air pressure and sag (static sag), as low temperatures can alter the internal pressure of the air chambers.
3. Drivetrain and Bearings (Abrasion Resistance)
Mud acts like an abrasive paste on the drivetrain.
Chain Lubrication: Abandon dry lubricants. In November, it is mandatory to switch to wet lubricants. These form a dense film that better resists water and mud, even though they require more frequent cleaning. Apply moderately and wipe off the excess.
Bearings (Hubs, Bottom Bracket): Listen carefully to the bike. If you hear clicks or grinding noises from the bottom bracket or hubs, water and dirt have compromised the seals. Request a service and fresh greasing. Pro Tip: If you are confident, loosen the hub pre-load after an intense wash to check for water ingress.
4. Tyres, Brakes, and Additional Components
Tire Pressure: Reducing tyre pressure (5-10 PSI less than in summer) is essential to maximize traction and grip on mud and wet roots.
Tubeless Sealant: If you use tubeless tires, the sealant (liquid) tends to coagulate with temperature variations and wear. In November, check and top up the sealant to ensure protection against punctures, which are frequent due to debris and wet rocks.
Disc Brakes: Clean the rotors with isopropyl alcohol or a specific cleaner. Mud can rapidly contaminate the pads; if braking is spongy or noisy, the pads may need to be removed and cleaned (or replaced if contaminated with oil).
Dropper Post: The dropper seal is vulnerable to mud. Clean the exterior of the telescopic stanchion after every use and apply a light layer of silicone oil to maintain smoothness and the integrity of the seal.
In summary, MTB maintenance in November 2025 is not just cleaning, but targeted and preventative maintenance aimed at insulating the mechanical systems (suspension and drivetrain) from the abrasive and corrosive action of the wet and muddy climate.