At CyclingCeramic, we design premium components for demanding cyclists. But to keep their performance, smoothness, and exceptional durability at their best, proper and regular maintenance is essential. Whether you use our ceramic bearings, pulley wheels, derailleur cages, or bottom brackets, this guide will walk you through each step to extend their lifespan and ensure a flawless riding experience.
1. Why maintain your ceramic components?
Even though our components are built to last and resist extreme conditions, they are still exposed to dust, mud, moisture, and debris that can reduce their effectiveness. Regular maintenance helps to:
Preserve their smoothness and performance.
Avoid premature wear.
Extend the lifespan of your parts.
Ensure a quiet and efficient transmission.
2. How often should you maintain your components?
| Type of use | Recommended frequency |
|---|---|
| Road (dry conditions) | Every 3 to 4 months |
| Gravel, MTB, or wet conditions | Every 6 to 8 weeks |
| Before/after an important competition | Systematic check and cleaning |
3. General maintenance steps
a) Cleaning
Gently remove the pulley wheels and check their condition.
Clean them with a soft, clean cloth using CyclingCeramic Degreaser, a biodegradable degreaser that effectively removes dirt and grease without damaging components.
Also clean inside the derailleur cage, bearings, and any exposed areas.
b) Drying
Carefully dry each component with a clean cloth.
Make sure no moisture remains.
c) Lubrication
Apply 2 to 3 drops of Oil for Pulley Wheels & Bearings (10ml) from CyclingCeramic on each pulley wheel and the moving parts of the derailleur cage. Perfect for precision maintenance and optimized protection.
For bearings exposed to extreme conditions (rain, mud), use Grease Ceramic 10ml or 30ml for added protection.
For your chain, apply our Wax Ceramic to ensure optimal efficiency and long-lasting protection against dirt.
d) Reassemble and check
Carefully reinstall your pulleys and components.
Check for smooth rotation by hand. No unusual noise or friction should be present.
4. Specific tips by component
Pulley wheels
- Clean after every ride in rainy or muddy conditions.
- Never let them dry without cleaning first.
- Lubricate with Oil for Pulley Wheels & Bearings to maintain their smooth operation.
Derailleur Cage
- Wipe down the inside of the cage regularly using a cloth and Degreaser.
- Check screws and fastenings.
Bottom bracket
- Regularly check for proper sealing.
- Clean carefully without damaging seals.
- Apply a small amount of Grease Ceramic if any loss of smoothness is detected.
Wheel bearings
- Clean the external surface without disassembling unless necessary.
- Lightly lubricate with Oil for Pulley Wheels & Bearings.
5. Mistakes to avoid
❌ Using a high-pressure washer directly on bearings or the cage.
❌ Soaking pulleys in aggressive solvents.
❌ Over-lubricating components.
❌ Neglecting maintenance after extreme conditions.
6. Recommended CyclingCeramic products for optimal maintenance
- Oil for Pulley Wheels & Bearings (10ml): High-performance oil specifically developed for ceramic bearings and pulley wheels.
- Grease Ceramic 10ml and 30ml: High-performance grease designed to protect bearings in extreme conditions.
- Wax Ceramic: Chain wax that reduces friction and provides long-lasting protection.
- Degreaser: Biodegradable degreaser that is safe for components and the environment.
👉 Discover all our maintenance products here
7. Conclusion
A well-maintained bike is more than just routine care — it’s the key to enjoying every ride, maximizing performance, and ensuring your components last for years. Take care of your CyclingCeramic components, and they will reward you on every mile.
8. Prefer to watch a tutorial?
If you’d rather watch step-by-step guidance, here’s a video with clear instructions and visual demonstrations. This tutorial focuses on how to properly clean, lubricate, and maintain your CyclingCeramic derailleur pulleys:
