Squeak! Squeak! Squeak!

If you're hearing a high-pitched squeak as you go down the road, a noise that sounds like mouse or bird chirping, chances are your derailleur pulleys need a bit of lubrication. They're in a place where they attract a lot of dirt and grit.

Just wipe them down with a rag to remove as much of the gunk as possible, then put a few drops of a fine lubricating oil on the very center of the pulley wheel, allowing it to soak in. Wipe off any excess, then go riding. This should gradually eliminate that annoying squeak.

More articles on basic bike maintenance:

• Four Easy Tune-Up Tricks
  
• Simple Steps to Avoiding Flats
  
• Before You Ride: Five Simple Safety Checks
  
• Making Maintenance Quick and Easy