Hello, and asking a silly question

[Severndroog]

I have been given an e-bike, it‘s an Elife so not exactly high end … it’s a folding bike and the levers are very stiff. Is there any point in spraying them with WD40? Or will they loosen naturally with use? The bike is several years old but has hardly been used.

I am actually still very happy with my hybrid, but there is one longish journey I do a couple of times a month for which a folding bike makes a lot of sense as it gives me the option of coming back on the train.

 

[matthewslack]

Levers as in brake levers?

Cable brakes?

Check the cables, as well as the lever pivots.

Brakes are important!

 

[saneagle]

I have been given an e-bike, it‘s an Elife so not exactly high end … it’s a folding bike and the levers are very stiff. Is there any point in spraying them with WD40? Or will they loosen naturally with use? The bike is several years old but has hardly been used.

I am actually still very happy with my hybrid, but there is one longish journey I do a couple of times a month for which a folding bike makes a lot of sense as it gives me the option of coming back on the train.

Where do you live? If it's anywhere near Telford, you can bring it to me and I'll check and sort the whole bike for you.

 

[guerney]

it’s a folding bike and the levers are very stiff.

If you're talking about clamping levers or similar: apply a drop of mineral oil and give them a good waggle about, wipe away excess. 3:1/4:1 sewing machine oil or Hypoid 90. WD40 is useless for that sort of thing.

 

[Severndroog]

Thank you all for the speedy replies. Much appreciated. Apologies for not being clear. I mean the levers that allow the bike to be folded. I don’t have a lot of strength in my hands.

Thanks for the kind offer @saneagle, but I am in London, so Telford is a bit too far.

Given that the bike has been sitting unused for several years, I have taken it to my local bike shop to have it checked over. Collected it this afternoon. . @matthewslack you must be some kind of telepath! The brakes dId need fixing.

i have no practical skills/knowledge whatsoever, is mineral oil the same as WD40? I’ve got a can of that.

 

[guerney]

i have no practical skills/knowledge whatsoever, is mineral oil the same as WD40? I’ve got a can of that.

Nope, for folding or clamping levers I use this or Hypoid 90. Either work great, but 3 in 1 becomes dirtier over time than Hypoid 90.

3 in 1 Multi-purpose Oil 100ml | DIY at B&Q

This multi purpose oil maintains your machine's efficiency, helping it run smoother for longer. It's suitable for cleaning and protecting garden, power & hand tools. Ideal for sharpening tools such as chisels & plane irons.

www.diy.com

 

[Severndroog]

Nope, for folding or clamping levers I use this or Hypoid 90. Either work great, but 3 in 1 becomes dirtier over time than Hypoid 90.

3 in 1 Multi-purpose Oil 100ml | DIY at B&Q

This multi purpose oil maintains your machine's efficiency, helping it run smoother for longer. It's suitable for cleaning and protecting garden, power & hand tools. Ideal for sharpening tools such as chisels & plane irons.

www.diy.com

thanks.

 

[saneagle]

Thanks for the kind offer @saneagle, but I am in London, so Telford is a bit too far.

Should be Thamesdroog then, or I might let you off with Cranedroog.

Three-in-one oil is what you want.

 

[Severndroog]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Severndroog_Castle