Cycling across India is a dream, but the country’s diverse geography means your bike faces vastly different "enemies" depending on where you are. Whether you’re cruising the Konkan coast, navigating the dusty plains of Punjab, or climbing the muddy hills of Meghalaya, a "one-size-fits-all" maintenance routine simply won’t cut it.
Here is how cycle maintenance differs across the three major regions of India.
1. Coastal India: The Battle Against Salt and Rust
The Enemy: Salt Air and High Humidity.
In places like Mumbai, Chennai, or Kochi, the air is thick with salt and moisture. This is a recipe for galvanic corrosion. Salt acts as a catalyst, speeding up the oxidation process that turns your shiny steel components into orange flakes.
-
The Routine: Rinse your bike with fresh water after every ride near the beach. It sounds counterintuitive to get it wet, but you need to wash away the salt crystals.
-
Lubrication: Use "Wet Lube" even if it’s not raining. It’s thicker and creates a more resilient barrier against the humid air. if you ride regularly, then go for a dry lube but dont forget to re apply after every 500 kms or 2 weeks.
-
Pro Tip: Apply a thin layer of wax or a silicone-based protectant to your frame. This prevents the salty mist from making direct contact with the paint and any tiny scratches. You can also wash your bike with NAC's Waterless wash with WAX
2. North India: The Heat and Dust Challenge
The Enemy: Extreme Temperatures and Fine Dust.
North India experiences the extremes—scorching 45°C summers and bone-chilling 5°C winters. In the summer and autumn, suspended dust is your biggest worry. It mixes with your chain oil to create a "grinding paste" that eats through your gears like sandpaper.
-
The Routine: Use a "Dry Lube" (wax-based). Unlike wet lube, it won't attract dust. You’ll need to apply it more frequently, but your drivetrain will stay much cleaner. NAC's Dry Lube is also wax based and does a superb job.
-
Rubber Care: Extreme heat can cause tyres to expand (increasing the risk of blowouts) and rubber to crack. Store your bike in the shade and regularly check your tire sidewalls for "dry rot."
-
The Winter Shift: During the foggy winters, morning dew can settle on your bike. Wipe it down before your ride to prevent surface rust on bolts.
3. North East India: The Mud and Moisture Marathon
The Enemy: Torrential Rain and Slushy Terrain.
The North East is home to some of the wettest places on Earth. Here, the challenge isn't just water; it’s the grit and mud from hilly, often unpaved trails that find their way into every bearing and crevice.
-
The Routine: Deep cleaning is non-negotiable. Invest in a good set of mudguards (fenders); they don't just keep you clean, they protect your front derailleur and headset from being pelted with mud.
-
Braking: If you have rim brakes, the grit will wear down your rims quickly in the rain. Check your brake pads weekly—they disappear surprisingly fast in the North East.
-
Tire Pressure: Lower your tyre pressure slightly (by 5–10 PSI) to get better traction on slippery, moss-covered roads.