Tire Inflation
For road riders: the hardest tire is NOT the fastest tire. A tire that is properly inflated is one that provided you a firm cushion of suspension such that it can deform to some road obstacles and not allow the rim to touch the ground (causing the dreaded pinch or snake bite flat). Use the recommended tire pressure on the sidewall. Going too high and you risk blowing the tire off the rim during some high speed maneuver. I will run my tires around 100psi for example and also found that even 90psi can be used. 110psi can be very harsh and lead to a lot of jarring.
For Mountain Bikers: the hardest tire is NOT the fastest tire. The idea here is to have the softest tire possible that does not lead to a pinch flat or for the tire to roll off the rim (I've done both of these before). The idea here is traction and suspension. Your 2.0" tires offer a degree of suspension so that your 100mm of travel is actually more when combined with the tire, the more suspension the cushy the ride. The second point is traction (probably more important) a lower inflated tires offers a much wider contact patch to the ground and when climbing or descending it will make all the difference when you are about to spin out on the log or loose sand spot.
Tires do dry out and after exposure to UV rays they loose their stickiness.
Chain Lube
Use any lube you choose. I prefer was lubes as they are dry and do not attract as much dust and grit. You apply the lube the day before and let it soak in. the key to lubing a chain is that you want it inside the rollers and pins and not on the outer plates that we see. So I apply the lube the night before (since I'm using a wax) and then wipe off the plates completely before heading out.
What kind of lube, any good quality bike lube available at your LBS (local bike store). NO 3-in-1 oil or WD-40. Actually WD-40 is a great cleaner, use it as such. vegetable based oils collect gunk and clog up your drive train. Like I mentioned earlier I like using waxes (White Lightening Original Formula to be exact) because I find them to be a little cleaner; but you have to re-apply ever 2-3 rides.
When You Get Home
Basic TLC for your bike.
Suspension -- if you have suspension, use a clean rag and wipe down all the stanchions of dust.
Chain -- wipe down the chain and if they are dirty, the cassette and chain rings too. Drivetrain wear can cause havoc on future shifting.
Road bikes, check for cuts in the tires. spin the wheel and with a rag or glove on clean off the tire to see if you can find anything. the contact patch for a road bike is so small that you don't want to jeopardize your contact patch.
That's all you have to do. REALLY.
Periodically clean your bike, it helps you find problems before the next ride. Cracked rims or a loose spoke or even a cracked frame (what better reason to buy a new bike!). You'll find things you never would notice, like frayed cables ends or wear marks from your shoes that show that your cleats are out of alignment.
The Night Before
Your time is limited for riding so prepare and be ready so that you don't waste our precious good weather.
1. Pack your stuff in a bag and have it ready (i.e. get a gear bag)
2. Inflate your tires
3. get some good sleep
That's it you are ready to get out there at the last minute now because you are prepped and ready to roll.
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