Why should i maintain my bike ?

Maintenance of your bike is something that should not be ignored as it will extend the life of the materials (i.e. bike and equipment). It is  important to keep it clean and well lubricated as well  as doing all the necessary cleaning after each ride to stop the bike getting dirty. Ongoing checks such as chain and bearing lubrication, tyre pressures, and screw tightening are also extremely important, especially for mountain bikes.
That said, it is also true for all types of bikes. For mountain and road bikes, mud and sand can be very abrasive to the bearings and other fragile parts. 
 With road bikes, dust and tar residue can be very bad for the components and urban bikes will suffer from daily attacks from dirt.

How to clean a bike without damaging any of its components?

There are some points to note to ensure that components aren’t damaged. Firstly, cleaning your bike by hand or with a soft-bristled brush (like the ZB WASH) will be kinder to the material than a high-pressured jet wash. Brushes like the ZB CLEAN and the ZB TWIST will allow you to clean dirt from those hard to reach places without risking damage to any of its parts.
After that, the bike as well as any cleaning tools will need rinsing. It is recommended that you use a fine microfibre cloth to dry your bike which will prevent any moisture build-up as well as any residue marks.
If you own an air compressor, you could use it after rinsing your bike to get rid of the water and the last bits of dirt followed by a microfiber cloth to get rid of any last marks. 
The final step is to lubricate all the mechanical bike parts (transmission, cables, and bearings).

What is the best oil to use when regularly riding on oily terrain?

The most suitable oil is EXTRA WET LUBE. It offers the best protection against moisture. Make sure that you have a well-cleaned chain before applying any oil (please see our cleaning products)

Do I need to clean my disc brakes?

Clean disc brakes are important when braking. In fact, the build-up of dirt can reduce the quality of braking and can make it seem as if there is ice on the discs (dirt can turn into a hard layer on the disc due to the constant heat). Therefore, the best solution is to clean the discs with a degreaser and a cloth. We recommend DISC BRAKE CLEANER. Be careful when lubricating your chain with a spray that you don’t spray the disc too. This will make your brakes unusable. We suggest placing a cloth or a piece of card behind your chain to protect the rest of the bike.

How do I fix a puncture?

There are two ways to fix a puncture. The first one is to have an inner tube and to replace it. To do this, you will need a tyre lever (like the Z LEVERS), and a way of inflating (CO2 or a pump). The second solution is to repair it using patches that once stuck to the inner tube, will block the hole (REPAIR KIT). There is also the EMERGENCY KIT which allows you to temporarily repair an inner tube but will then need a more long-term repair afterwards.

Can the Repair Spray be used multiple times?

No, the spray can only be used once. It lets you repair one inner tube or one tyre.

Is Z SEALANT a long-term solution?

No, a tyre that has been protected needs to be checked every 6 months. The protector is a continuously moving product in the tyre. It loses some properties over time and the liquid part can evaporate.

If I mainly ride in dry conditions, is there an oil more suited to these conditions?

PRO DRY LUBE has been specially developed for use in dry conditions as it turns dirt into a fine powder dust. Our PRO DRY LUBE oil means that you will have a cleaner chain for longer.

How do I lubricate my bike?

There are four EXTRA DRY WAX, EXTRA WET LUBE, PRO WET LUBE, PRO DRY LUBE lubricants that will help you maintain the mechanical parts of your bike. PRO DRY LUBE is suitable for dry weather, EXTRA WET LUBE and PRO WET LUBE will perform better in wet weather and EXTRA DRY WAX is the all-round lubricant of the Zéfal range.

What should I check regularly to maintain my bike?

For ongoing maintenance, the following points should be checked on the bike: -Inflation and condition of tyres -Lubrication of the transmission -Condition of the cables and casing (derailleurs and brakes) -Greasing of the bearings (bottom bracket housing and headset).

What is the advantage of ALL IN ONE?

It is a simpler solution as the different stages of lubrication have been combined in one product. The ALL IN ONE will degrease, clean and then lubricate all at the same time and in one single product.

What are your degradable cleaning products?

All In 1, BIKE DEGREASER, WET LUBE and PRO LUBE products are all biodegradable and environmentally friendly.

How do I use Bike Wash?

Spray it directly onto the bike frame and the parts that you want to clean. Gently scrub with a soft brush (like the ZB WASH). After rinsing and drying, your bike will be gleaming before going out on a ride. Make sure you lubricate the mechanical parts.

Is the Emergency-Kit a long-term solution?

No, the EMERGENCY KIT simply lets you repair a puncture but isn’t a long-term solution. For a more durable solution, the inner tube needs repairing with patches and glue (part of the REPAIR KIT).

What type of tyre can the Repair Spray be used on?

It is a universal repair solution. It is, therefore, compatible with all types of tyre, but just to get you to the end of your ride and back home. You still need to change the inner tube.

How do I easily and quickly remove an inner tube?

In order to easily remove an inner tube, you need to make sure that it has been completely deflated. The first step is to dislodge the tyre from the rim but you only need to do this on one side to change the inner tube. Here are the steps to follow: -Insert a tyre lever (like the Z LEVERS) under the bead of the tyre opposite the valve. -Turn it towards the spokes applying pressure to the rim -Leave the tyre leaver in place and do the same around 10cm further along. That will dislodge the tyre bead from the rim. -Use your finger or a tyre lever (paying attention not to damage the side of the wheel, the inner tube and/or the rim) along the length of the tyre to fully remove the side of the tyre. -The inner tube is now accessible. Before replacing the tyre, you need to thoroughly check the inside the tyre to check that there is no dirt or sharp bits that could pop the new inner tube. Once repaired, slowly inflate the inner tube which will allow to fall into without risking it pinching the tyre. Then, replace the bead by hand into the rim. Even if the last few centimetres of the tyre are difficult to get back on the rim, avoid using a tyre remover to get it into place.

I have already used a protector from another brand on my tyre, can I use your protector as well?

We recommend that you remove any trace of another protector on the tyre before applying ours. We cannot guarantee compatibility with other brands. Ensure that there is no residue left on the tyre.

Can I use Z Sealant with a tubeless tyre?

Yes, you can use our Z Sealant protection with your tubeless tyres. Our tests have been conclusive. However, you need to have a valve with a removable cap in order to insert the protective product.

How can I avoid a puncture?

The first thing is to check you tyre pressure because it is important that they are correctly inflated. You need to check the state of the whole tyre system to avoid a flat tyre (tyre rims, inner tube and tyres). Make sure there are no holes, or obvious signs of wear and tear. Following that, a protective liquid like Z SEALANT can be used which will let you immediately repair small perforations during your ride. Please note – we advise that you always carry a repair kit for more significant punctures.

How do I attach Z Liner?

The Z LINER is a protective tape which can be applied under the running of the wheel. It needs to be placed between the inner tube and the tyre, and then inflate it as normal. Be careful not to overlap the strips. If this happens, carefully cut the Z Liner to the right size ensuring there are no sharp edges (so that the inner tube isn’t damaged).

I have a road bike, is Z Sealant suitable for high pressure?

It is suitable for high pressures and therefore for all tubeless road bike tyres.