I bought a new bike, and I need to lubrify the chain and other parts...

My building has a Fahrradkeller for parking bikes, but I don't know if I'm allowed to service my bike there...I would potentially spill oil on the floor, and I want to avoid trouble with the Hausverwaltung and other neighbors.

The Hausordnung of the building doesn't mention anything about bike repairs/oil lubrication...lots of rules regarding grilling, usage of the washing machines, no cleaning of carpets, etc...but nothing regarding my case.

Is there any "general rule" on where it's allowed/forbidden to do this? I also have a balcony connected to the common ground floor garden, maybe I can do it there?

That is what newspaper is for.

If you are not going to apply the lube with some extremely sloppy or noisy technic, in general you'll be fine anywhere, where it won't be in the way of your neighbours. And clean after yourself, it's a simple act of decency.

Firstly, the chain is the only component that you should be lubricating. You do not lubricate it with oil, but rather bike lubricant. These lubricants are designed to be applied sparingly, so technically you shouldn't spill it on the ground.
Many lubricant products are also biodegradable, which might help any discussion you might have. (Muc Off)

I think you need to find something called "basic common sense". Either put something on the floor to cover it from spills and clean up after yourself, or take the bike outside the building and service it.

Take it into your apartment and do it there.

Tom

This might be of assistance.
https://www.veloplus.ch/shop/werksta...t-33005522.001

Almost nothing falls down if you do it calmly and don't want to put more lubricant than necessary. One drop per chain roller, the end.

Put down some newspaper and use your balcony. If you stain the tiles you should clean it up.

Indeed, I've changed the oil and seals of the fork in the balcony and a generous amount of newspapers is enough

OP, if you apply lubricant to the chain as it slowly spins atop the cassette (rear gearset), exactly zero lubricant should reach the ground.

That said, if ease of clean up is your concern, use a dry wax-based lubricant.

As soon as I left OBI to get the chain lube, I placed the bike upside down on nearby grass and lubricated each link of the chain one by one. There’s no spilling or anything. Just do it slowly and carefully turning the pedals, there shouldn’t be any visible spill on the ground. You don’t need to splash it with plenty of chain lube just few drops in each link.

To echo others, don't over do it. If your chain is dripping in oil:
a) you'll make a mess right then

b) it'll splatter over your bike when you ride it later

c) it'll attract dirt and grime which turns into a paste and grinds your chain down


A drop on each link/roller and you'll be fine, then spin the pedals backwards for several revolutions while you hold an old cloth, t-shirt etc on the chain to help clean things and you're good to go.


The moment you hear the chain making a metallic gnashing sound when riding and it's time to repeat again with new oil.

First of all google out videos how to professionally lubricate the chain. The chain should be clean and dry on the outside at all times, the lubrication has to go inside it.