The degree of maintenance should be keyed to the amount of use and the riding conditions. The more you ride, the more you need to attend to mechanical needs as well as to clean and wax your bike.
Anyone who hangs around the pro race teams knows about the daily race drill. It starts with a bike wash and a re-lube of the components. Periodically and depending on riding conditions, the bike needs a full wax job - starting after the first three months.
For most riders, an annual overhaul and a wax job with the non-breathable wax, will let you keep your Waterford working great and looking great for years. During the riding season, keep the bike clean, lubed and drain the bike after wet rides. To drain the the bike, hold the front wheel up over the rear wheel. This lets larger quantities of water drain out the seat tube and the drain holes. Once drained, residual moisture will evaporate.
High-level athletes will likely need an extra support, both mechanically and with wax job during the year to compensate for the extra use, sweat and sports drink spills. If you ride on salted roads, extra care is also required for the finish - a second wax job plus we strongly recommend an internal rust treatment like Weigle\'s Framesaver. The same goes for people riding near the ocean.
During the first three months, use breathable waxes like Meguaire\'s Mirror Glaze. These waxes allow the paint to complete that last bit of curing. Then, switch over to a non-breathable, carnuba-based wax like Mequiare\'s Tech Wax or Johnson\'s Turtle Wax.
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